BEST OF THE BEST
VOLUME 2
Life should not be mediocre
In these crazy mixed up ‘unprecedented times, the lust for treating yourself well should never be discounted.
Experience the ‘Best of the Best’.
From the publishers at
Summer fun......
For the Southern Hemisphere, Summer is fast approaching and as the ‘Weather Girls’ sing ‘the temperatures rising’.
So it’s definitely time for a fragrance reboot, update, change around, with the emphasis definitely being on light airy and full of fun. It shouldn’t matter whether you’re going straight to the party from the office or straight to the office from the beach, the fragrance should carry you through the entire day and maybe with a spray or two more into the evening. Here is our take on the best fragrances for your summer.
Afternoon Swim By Louis Vuitton
This fragrance is quite strong, but in a striking but not overpowering way, the scent is warmly dominated by fresh orange with bergamot, and a spritz of mandarin. It’s this pungent but not too heady aroma which makes it super suitable for wear by men and women alike because it has softness that is not like some male fragrances. This is your revamp go to!
Bleu de Chanel By Chanel
Chanel has fragrance covered 200%, Bleu de Chanel offers a woody summer aromatic which is never fails to tempt and spritz or three. Remember some fragrances shouldn’t be overpowering as your body is already getting warm. So this not pungent, very delicate, and will smell divine from the initial fresh mint in the beginning to the woods and pine near the end.
Blue de Chanel is That perfect sense for men who want something fresh but still elegant and still perfect for day, night and Office.
Terre D’Hermes By Hermes
Terre D’Hermes is as famous a fragrance as Hermes is a brand. Although this cologne was launched in 2006, the combination of fragrances that are served by Terre D’Hermes has special characteristics that make many men love it. This is truly one of those fragrances we are five men could wear and all smell perfectly different.
This is the modern power scent for men, with earthy tones and hints of spice giving this man who wears it a manly and authoritative, so many women will be curious about who wears this cologne.
Terre D’Hermes has a very long lasting strength delivered in equal portions.
Italian Bergamot Cologne By Ermenegildo Zegna
Italian Bergamot Cologne by Ermenegildo Zegna, characterized by the calabrian, wait for it, bergamont and for those not in the know, it’s a variety of citrus fruit grown in the southern region of Italy. This aromatic fragrance is accentuated with the unique notes of rosemary and vetiver, with neroli adding a woody accord that balances out the dominant citrus notes to create a deep, rich fragrance that’s full of depth.
Aqua Vitae by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This master perfumer wanted to create a summer splash in a bottle and has well and truly succeeded. This Fragrance house is known for its blockbusters like, Baccarat Rouge 540, which is like a fabulous slap across the face with jasmine and cedar. But this fragrance is paired back like you’ve been splashed with the best lemon from Calabria, grazed with Sicilian mandarin and back ground warmth from hedione, vanilla, tonka bean and guaiac wood.
Illusione For Him Bottega Veneta
This fragrance comes in both a male and female varietal so why not match! You know what they say about couples who .... Actually they don’t! This subtle men’s fragrance comes with a simple palette of balsam fir and cedar wood with out coming on like a trip to your Fathers barber and a slap of Pin Silvestre. Slick, simple and ultimately chic.
BLU MEDITERRANEO MIRTO DI PANAREA By ACQUA DI PARMA
This classic line of Italian colognes is where men’s fragrance for summer truly begins and this Mirto di Panarea by Acqua di Parma is as uplifting a fragrance that you can get. Bright fruity notes of lemon and bergamot inspired citrus notes. Wait a little while and you’ll discover a breeze of jasmine and the lightest rose, and then it’s all about the base, juniper, cedar wood and amber.
Costa Azzurra By Tom Ford
This is definitely on the SFO list, that’s Safe for the office, As Tom Ford’s ‘Costa Azzurra’ is more a subtle nod to aquatic scents with a woody mix in there that gives it some depth. One of the notes is driftwood, which gives this fragrance the aquatic touch. But you’re also getting a slight floral scent as well subtle touches of vanilla, oak and strangely alluring, lavender.
Best in Rome
LA PERGOLA
Sited above the ancient capital, Rome , and overlooking the sea of lights and all its history leading to the glorious dome of St.Peter’s Basilica. You will find a jewel box of a restaurant, think the private rooms at Bulgari, more than your corner jeweller. Unless of course, Bulgari is your corner jeweller!
This year marks its 21st anniversary since Chef Heinz Beck opened his stellar restaurant at the beautiful Waldorf Rome ( the Cavalieri hotel). That perfect combination of opulence and sleek styling that makes you feel that shimmer of excitement on entering and a suitable stage for his perfectly eclectic cuisine.
Vegetables treated with the lightest of touch, seafood that almost comes with a trawler, it’s that fresh and a series of pastas that you know have pedigree as old as the Vatican you look over. No explosions of dry ice, just polished service from an endless number of waiters that just appear as you need them.
Before COVID we were lucky enough to enjoy the credit card exploding 10 course chefs degustation that included the chef’s masterful ‘ fagotelli La Pergola pasta parcels’ , inside out pasta and sauce of tear inducing joy. There is no chance of not finding a wine or water that suits your tastes. Their water menu alone has 20 plus entries. Book a table at La Pergola, then book your flights and accommodation, not the other way round.
Not so crazy rich Asian’s!
没那么疯狂的亚洲富人！
When trying to pin down a list of the top 10 wealthiest people in Asia, it’s almost akin to herding a pack of cats. No disrespect intended but they swap their positions faster than you can Corel a kitty in a corner.
It could be said by the time you finish reading the 10th person on this list we may have to start compiling again. Well here goes!
10. Yang Huiyan
Yang Huiyan is a Chinese entrepreneur/investor, and is the majority shareholder of Country Garden Holdings. Her father transferred 70% of the company’s shares to her before the IPO in 2007.
Yang is the richest women in Asia, and the only women to make it onto this list of the top 10 richest people in Asia. She has an estimated net worth of $20.4 billion, which has risen rapidly over the past year.
Net Worth: $20.4 Billion
9. Wang Wei
Wang Wei is a Chinese businessman, and the chairman of SF Express, which is a Chinese delivery services company. Wang currently lives in Hong Kong, and has an estimated net worth of $21.1 billion.
SF Express was founded in 1993, and is now the second largest courier in China, coming second only to China Post.
Net Worth: $21.1 Billion
8. Masayoshi Son
Masayoshi Son is Japanese and founder and CEO of SoftBank Mobile, and chairman of Sprint Corporation. He is no newbie to failure, after losing a reported $70 billion after the ‘Dot Com’ crash in 2000. In fact, he set the record for most money ever lost in history.
Today, Masayoshi is the richest man in Japan, and the 8th richest person in Asia.
Net Worth: $22.6 Billion
7. Lee Shau-Kee
Lee Shau-kee is a Hong Kong-based real estate tycoon and majority owner of Henderson Land Development. HLD is a property conglomerate with interests in properties, hotels, restaurants and internet services.
Lee grew up in a poor family in China, and the family couldn’t afford much even when it came to food. He has previously said that the family would only be able to eat fish or meat once, maybe twice a month.
Net Worth: $28.7 Billion
6. Wang Jianlin
Wang Jianlin is a Chinese business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He founded the conglomerate, Dalian Wanda Group, China’s largest real estate development company. DWG is also China’s largest movie theatre company.
Jianlin previously fought in the army for sixteen years, and in 1992 he became chairman of the Dalian Wanda Group. He was 37 years old at this time.
Net Worth: $29.6 Billion
5. Li-Ka Shing
Li-Ka Shing is the richest man in Hong Kong, and one of the wealthiest people in Asia . Shing is a business magnate, philanthropist, and investor and currently the chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings, through which, he’s the leading port investor, developer and operator worldwide. The conglomerate also owns the largest health and beauty retailer in Asia and Europe.
Net Worth: $33.9 Billion
3. Ma Hueteng
Ma Huateng is a Chinese internet entrepreneur and founder, president and CEO of Tencent, one of the largest Internet companies in China. Tencent controls China’s biggest mobile instant messaging service.
In recent years, Hueteng has featured twice on Time Magazine’s list of the most influential people in the world.
Net Worth: $37.9 Billion
2. Hui Ka Y
Hui is the largest shareholder of China Evergrande Group. It has more than 700 projects in more than 240 cities in China. In 2017, Evergrande Real Estate Group will achieve a sales amount of RMB 450 billion.
The Guangzhou-based company has become China's biggest property developer in 2016 based on sales volume and had revenue of 211.4 billion yuan (US$31.8 billion) in 2016.
As of July, 2020, Xu has an estimated net worth of $34 billion.
Net Worth: $38.1 Billion
1. Jack Ma
The richest man in Asia, and one of the most inspiring men on this list, is Jack Ma. Ma has been working his way up the ranks for a while now, and has finally reached the top of this list.
Jack Ma is a Chinese business magnate, and founder of Alibaba Group. He went from being rejected from KFC, Harvard, and many other opportunities, to founding one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Net Worth: $38.2 Billion
4. Mukesh Ambani
Mukesh Ambani is an Indian business magnate, currently chairman, managing director and majorit shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited. RIL is featured on the Fortune Global 500 list, and also has a higher market value than any other company in India. This has helped Mukesh make his way onto the list of the wealthiest in Asia, with a current net worth of almost $35 billion.
Net Worth: $34.9 Billion
Dubai adds the ‘Best’
Ling Ling to open at the Atlantis, the Royal
Ling Ling restaurant is set to be unveiled at one of the world’s most anticipated luxury resorts, Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai. Adding Dubai to the current list of sites, Oslo and dreamy Marrakech is fitting with the finest standards of the Hakkasan Group, plans are already under way for an opening in Mexico City.
Ling Ling is a destination lounge and dining experience that takes its patrons from the day into the evening and then into the late night led by its signature tastes, sights and sounds.
The Ling Ling brand stems from the popular lounge concept in other Hakkasan Group locations found world-wide, with guests easily moving from a luxe after work drink or celebration to glamour dining with a night club edge to dancing up a storm.
Ling Ling is where izakayas meet luxury lounges showcasing menus as extraordinary menus as is the polished décor . For Dubai’s no doubt ‘best of the best’ design standards, head to level 23 of Atlantis, The Royal, sited above this ‘glamazon’ resorts 90-metre sky pool. The restaurant boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah the surrounding Arabian Sea and of course that ever changing Dubai skyline.
“Locals and travelers alike have flocked to Ling Ling across continents since it became its own concept. We’re enthusiastic at the prospect of bringing Ling Ling’s intriguing menus and unmatched late-night experience to a new frontier and could not ask for a better partner than Atlantis, The Royal,” said Angela Lester, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Hakkasan Group. “We look forward to emerging as a destination known for modern, decadent style that will help revolutionize and grow the culinary and nightlife scene in Dubai for many years to come.”
Long Ling will join a venerable stable of superstar dining experiences and bars including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal; Milos by Costas Spiliadis; La Mar by Gastón Acurio; Jaleo by José Andrés; Hakkasan; and Ariana’s Kitchen by Ariana Bundy.
Lets face it nothings going to come cheap. But neither does life.
STUDIA 54
From St.Petersburg to the world.
In a world full of design firms touting for your business, one has definitely stood out from the pack in recent years. The St. Petersburg Studia 54 is internationally esteemed for their modern creations. The luxury design firm has time and time again surpassed their clients’ expectations, going above and beyond to deliver their exact desires.
“We know how to hear the customer – this is the most important thing. We do not do what we want, which is fashionable in the trend, but we realize your ideas. We create a dream apartment for a client, not a designer.” -Olga Ivanova, Head Designer
Yes it is named after the New York dance hall that changed the way the world saw night club’s. “Studio 54,” does the same with all their interiors, creating premium interiors in homes, apartments and luxury hotels, all to their bold and exciting standards.
It is said that they only work with the best and the extravagant designs incorporate all that the world of bespoke can deliver, by the crate load. But the proof is in the pudding, so-to-speak, akin to the 70’s pleasure dome, Studia 54 attracts the worlds elite to magically bring their wildest dreams to fruition.
Raise a glass to 2021 maybe?
"Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!" Dom Pérignon
Pure escapism is truly what every bubble is, gliding it’s way to the top of that Baccarat flute in your hand. It’s all about seduction, plain and simple. The liquid gold poured from a bottle is almost always paired with one of two words, seduction or celebration. 18th century courtesan, Madame de Pompadour, and mistress to Louis XV, was said to be the first beauty to shout out about Champagne at Versailles, stating that 'Champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it'. One can only imagine she might have been celebrating something that night, but what prey tell? Im sure the ladies imbibing a chilled glass of vintage Bollinger with James Bond might have shouted out something no too dissimilar.
Here’s to the ‘Best of the Best’ and this issues top ten Champagnes and not because their bottle is a rappers fav guzzle.
1.Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millesime Champagne
Inevitably this one is first on many people’s list ,Cristal. Family-owned and operated, the Champagne house Louis Roederer based in fairly and squarely in Reims has producedChampagne since the 18th Century and Cristal champagne is the glittering jewel in its crown. You cAn find it in the discerning wine coolers From deposed Kings in Monaco to rap stars with their diamond ‘grills’. Deep in color , almost honeyed, owed yo it’s six years sleeping in the vast Roederer cellars. This is your stuff of nobility.
2.Krug Rose Brut
Illustrious in name, it even sounds like a mythical ruler. In the world of Champagne production, Rose Krug, with its Pinot Noir Rosé. Is not only decadent, but highly collectible as the number of bottles is highly limited per year. Look for the distinctive packaging, the color has been described as pink-gold, reflected in its dusty rose packaging. This is a champagne that sings on the nose as much as on the palette as Krug's classic cuvée is famously does.
3. Krug Brut,
Speaking of Krug, their flagship champagne is the Grande Cuvée. This is the stuff of magic making and a cost to match it, more than likely several thousand miles apart from your everyday sparkler. This wine is a tapestry of weaves from up to 120 different wines from across 10 years. Then secreting each bottle away in the earthen caverns if their vast miles of cellars for 6 years. Do you deserve anything less?
4. Agrapart & Fils Venus Nature Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime.
The first blanc de blancs on our list is from Agrapart&Fils, seen as the kings the Chardonnay grape. The Vénus Nature Blanc de Blancs sits was given a 93 point rating (none of this list falls below 92) Described by The in-house blending team, this champagne is the "ice queen", and evokes the wild flowers of the champagne region. The wine was named after the horse that’s ploughed the fields for the first plantings, not the Roman beauty.
5. Pierre Peters Cuvée Speciale Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut
Like the Agrapart & Fils wines, the house of Pierre Péters work exclusively with Chardonnay. Family-owned, the house is practically a babe as it’s only been producing Champagne since 1919. Les Chetillons in its rather striking livery of black and gold is made from 100-percent Grand Cru Chardonnay, its taste reflects the minerality of the chalky soil the vines are grown in. This is a vintage champagne so you won’t find it every year.
6.Jacques Selosse's Substance Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut
Jacques Selosse's Substance Grand Cru ain't cheap but it is rather special. With only 275 cases produced a year, it's made via a Solera system, which is rAre in this region and only adds to the price factor. This method involves wines being added into a long chain of other vintages and wine passes through many barrels imparting flavours distinct to each vintage, giving you a wine that may have elements in excess of 100 years being mixed in. It's all in the name which seems very accurate, ‘Substance’.
7. Les Carelles Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut
The Les Carelles Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut is amongst the most expensive of all Extra Brut Champagne. This created in the standard méthode champenoise, is all about the collectibility factor that makes it as much an investment as a drink as this master of the grapes never decreases in value.
8. Louis Roederer Cristal Rose Brut Millesime
Cristal Rosé is our most expensive Champagne on the list and it’s highly deserved of that sky high pedestal position. The blush gold label almost perfectly matches the wine inside, you know by looking at it, that it’s going to be outstanding. Old-vine Pinot Noir lends the wine its color and character and it is, by all accounts, highly sophisticated wine, and was the winner of the Supreme World Champion in the 2014 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. It's expensive but it's Olympian in spirit.
9. Jacques Selosse V.O. Version Originale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Selosse who we met before has created a lighter Version of his god like vintages ,’Originale Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs’. Again, 100-percent Chardonnay has been described as More like a burgundy style wine, implying a green-apple character with crisp acidity but being very full bodied.
10.Agrapart & Fils L’Avizoise Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Champagne and for our final , it's to Agrapart & Fils we go and their Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut. We do admit that being in the ‘Best of the Best’ isn’t about price, though it helps, but this is a bargain of a wine of its quality. Made with grapes from 50-year-old vines, the 2005 vintage achieved a score of 96 points from Wine Spectator, that’s a stand up and cheer point score. Not only the cheapest but also one of the classiest acts in town.
And the most expensive award goes to,
Gout de Diamants Champagne
Gout de Diamants Champagne, or ‘Taste of Diamonds’, describe their champagne as the embodiment of luxury. Produced from Grand Cru grapes in Oger by the Chapuy family of growers, each grape is handpicked from the finest vineyards. Such fine champagne deserves an opulent bottle, and Gout de Diamants delivers just that – it features a Swarovski crystal centered in a pewter diamond-shaped logo and a label made from pure white gold plate – making it one of the world’s most expensive champagnes at $1.9 million. Do you think that they sell it cheaper by the dozen? Best not ask.
And the most expensive award goes to, Gout de Diamants Champagne
Gout de Diamants Champagne, or ‘Taste of Diamonds’, describe their champagne as the embodiment of luxury. Produced from Grand Cru grapes in Oger by the Chapuy family of growers, each grape is handpicked from the finest vineyards. Such fine champagne deserves an opulent bottle, and Gout de Diamants delivers just that – it features a Swarovski crystal centered in a pewter diamond-shaped logo and a label made from pure white gold plate – making it one of the world’s most expensive champagnes at $1.9 million. Do you think that they sell it cheaper by the dozen? Best not ask.
When Private is Best
Tom Ford’s Best Private Blends
When you put two words together it can mean something, when you put two names togetherit again can mean something. Combine ‘Tom’ and ‘Ford’ and you have the fashion worlds ecclesiastical equivalent a mass genuflect occurring.
His eponymous brand strikes fear into people’s available credit limits when venturing into the chapel like boutiques. But we have to remember that This is man that bought Gucci back bought sexy back in all its forms and is the same man that wants to shake up the world of fragrance and beauty products but let’s focus on Tom’s Private Blends.
Each of these you know has a full character ready to leap into the silver screen and act delivery and Academy Awards winning monologue but Like Norma Desmond, who said they didn’t need words, but as this is an article we thought some might be useful. Hold tight it’s 28 fragrances and we are taking no prisoners.....
28 | PLUM JAPONAIS :
Sweet plum, heady mix of spice. Nothing powdery here. This is that Aunt that wears furs and doesn’t give a damn.
27 | TOBACCO OUD :
:
What you’d think expect to smell in a souk in Morocco following you in volleys of tumbling clouds of heady Smoke ladened air that reminds you of hot nights and ‘cue Arabian music’ look up dokha.
26 | OUD FLEUR :
The floral note mentioned is more like someone used a flower to light their very large old expensive cigar. This ones heady and old in a glamour out way. Patchouli but not hippy, never hippy.
25 | COSTA AZZURA :
Imagine wet linen clinging to a tanned body smelling of lemon, pine and a salty breeze, more than likely worn by a walking trust fund on holidays in Sardinia and it will be the only good thing about him.
24 | FLEUR de PORTOFINO :
This is the well educated cousin of the trust fund above, wildly floral but in that walk along a road side covered in jasmine and wildflowers than a bunch of mixed floral in your face.
23 | VERT BOHEME :
When one of the ingredients translates loosely as tree of heaven this is exactly what this is about if you combined it with cutting the lawn around the tree and the tree happened to have mandarins hanging from it you get the drift fresh and green.
22 | TOBACCO VANILLE:
This is going to sound bad but this is Italian Christmas in a flacon. Pane-tonne, In the most delicious way. Your warm inviting and everybody wants you. Vanilla, no ice ice baby.
21 | PATCHOULI ABSOLU :
Wear with discretion. This to me snacks more of Edie Bouvier Beale dancing at ‘Grey Gardens’ than Indian shakra graduate. She’s educated but a bit much for always
20 | SHANGHAI LILY :
If you can find it, then buy it. An archived fragrance direction, along with Fleur du Chine, it’s Ana May Wong and Marlena Dietrich In Shanghai Exoress on Thier way to a wedding shower, ones all white florals and Lily, the others dark wooded spiced rose. You pick!
19 | VERT de FLEUR :
Hyacinth meets first heated summer exchange. Think ‘Chalamet’ walking out of that pond on a hot day, no more words needed.
18 | MANDARINO Di AMALFI :
Ok it’s Madarin, that’s Mandarin, and you will get that blatant hit of you guessed it Mandarin. Go figure!
17 | CHAMPACA ABSOLU :
Sandalwood peppers you the softer version of white magnolia. Don’t think of those obnoxious magnolia flavoured home diffusers, think ‘fabulous woman’ in vintage white Valentino at the moment she steps out of the Bugatti to kiss her lover good bye in an Italian movie. Her fragrance lasts longer than their love affair and is more passionate.
16 | NOIR de NOIR :
Wear this and you had better know who you are. Dark and heady but controlled. ‘Vanilla’ has grown up and she knows what life’s all about, good and bad but always to be enjoyed. Thinks 70’s luxe and you’d be 10% on the way.
15 | CAFE ROSE:
I think this is more de-caffeinated Rose than rose and coffee. You won’t smell like Grandma more like how your Grandma aged 21 felt as a debutante with a world ahead of her.
14 | VERT D’ENCES:
A ‘very’ by any other name wouldn’t smell this sweet and this green. Forget grass we are now climbing a fir tree on a spring morning. Fresh but hinting at a familiar barber shop smell of Italian pine cone shakes fragrances. 13 is not unlucky in this case.
13 | JASMIN ROUGE:
Ever seen ‘Gone with the Wind’ and the classic scene where Rhett Butler makes Scarlett don a red dress to show society that’s she’s not so innocent. Well he threw this to her to wear as well as very deep red lips fine Tom Ford of course.
12 | OUD MINERALE :
How do we put this? Old oak sail boat sitting on the shoreline in the summer sun. Salty yet woody but with little umami in the background that you would expect from an ‘Oud’ fragrance. A tricky one.
11 | VENETIAN BERGAMOT :
Spiced, cooled, fruity, woodsy, peppered with peppercorn, sliced with citrus, this is an expensive suit skipping work for the afternoon to drink fresh lemonade and gin on a terrace.
10 | SOLE DI POSITANO :
You know how we that suits drinking lemonade on the terrace well it’s decided what the heck and dives into green blue waters off of Positano. This neroli based fragrance punches with salty citrus opening up the pores and nostrils.
9 | RIVE d’AMBRE :
When they offer you coffee beans to cleanse your nose from trying this fragrance. Give up. You can’t remember smells before and anything after does nothing. A little bit goes a long way. Wealth of fragrance hits hard but gosh it’s good.
8 | SOLEIL BLANC :
Forget ‘Sex in the City’ this is unadulterated pure sex in sunshine. Not that hot day in your back yard sunshine but glorious big straw hat pebbled beach kind of sunshine. This is that villa with price per month P.O.A and if you have to ask...... you know the drill.
7 | VERT DE BOIS :
Enough with the vert already they say, but this warms like a Christmas tree just as it bursts into flames. Beautiful cinders of fir tree, oh that’s without the ornaments on it of course.
6 | TUSCAN LEATHER :
It’s leather. Got it, no excuses no way around it, finest grain shot and tanned and lived with you for generations. Less boot more Hermes saddle.
5 | OUD WOOD :
If ‘Tuscan Leather’ is a saddle then ‘Oud Wood’ is the chest it came in. Filled with spicy oud smells like a camphor wood glory box carved in Asia that is locked only to be opened by a hidden brass key. Enveloping.
4 | SANTAL BLUSH:
Sex sells and this is ‘sex in a bottle’ strip down to what god gave you and roll in it. Male or female you’ll never want to wear clothes again but give into Cinnamon and sandalwood, and just repeat over and over again ‘ylang-ylang’ and just smile.
3 | WHITE SUEDE:
Classic sexy Tom Ford. Bianca Jagger in white on horseback at Studio 54, in fact Bianca Jagger anywhere in this elegant musk-inspired fragrance. I feel love is vented out from the stage and all you hear is applause.
2 | NEROLI PORTOFINO:
The wind can blow hot in Portofino and when it does the electricity in the air heats the citrus scents and woodland hills to a sublime level you just want to stretch out like a cat and lay there purring knowing you’ve won.
And finally without a doubt and there was no way getting around it.....
1 | FUCKING FABULOUS :
Well it does say it all. It’s every screen goddess and TV ‘bitch’ rolled into one almond ignited vanilla lavender adventure. You know you want to so why not and be damned what anyone else thinks.
And that’s a wrap.
Ghosting never felt so good
The new is ‘Post Opulence’.
Henry Cloke, Rolls Royce designer, has bought us the next luxury term, ‘Post Opulence’, in speaking about the redesigned and re-engineered Rolls Royce success story, The Ghost.
Speaking in a very different tone, everything about this version rings with a contemporary language of style and inclusions that speak to this new breed of clientele.
This marque has been a such a phenomenal success story for Rolls-Royce and has become the most successful model in the company’s 116-year history. We have to remember that the Ghost as a model was only launched ten years ago. This model is thoroughly suggested to be driven by the owner rather than chauffeured like its elder statesman brother or sister model, Phantom. We also have to remember that the average age of a RR owner now, is somewhere in their mid forties. That’s a long way off of what it used to be. The brand has definitely bared scars from its competition in the past decade, from the likes of Bentleigh and Porsche, but couple success with the Ghost and Wraith models that followed and the new Black Badge editions, you have it leading the pack again.
The website video voice suggests in hushed tones “I am your new desire”, and looking at it, that’s certainly true. Customisable within an inch of its life, this is the perfect answer to the ‘less’ is the new ‘more’, but 100% delivered to respond to the clients wish to better than anyone else’s.
Best of the Best - Sydney
The city on the harbour’s top picks
Best Bar
Lobo Plantation
This small bar is all about rum. Named after Julio Lobo, Cuba's last sugar baron, The Lobo Plantation is reached via heavy wooden doors followed by a curved staircase (best attempted fairly sober).
At the bar, it's best to plunge headlong into the rum and (largely rum-based) cocktail lists. There’s rum from Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Martinique, Panama and the Dominican Republic among others.
The cocktail list is fun. The Mr Magoo mixes pineapple rum, Lillet Blanc, cacao, lemon juice and ginger beer. Squashed for Thyme pairs rum and yellow chartreuse with lemon juice and pumpkin lemonade. Other drinks are twists on classics, such as the Old Fashioned or Singapore Sling.
Best Restaurant
10 William St
The drinks have always been a draw at 10 William St, and for the vine-dedicated there's the chance to get lost in a deep list of minimal-intervention wines from Italy and from people doing exciting, preservative-free things at home and further afield. But waiting in the street out front, jostling for space between the tiny tables, and swiping the seeded pretzel through the whipped bottarga dip has become as much a necessity as ordering a glass of something fresh and juicy from the chalkboard. The few signatures – that pretzel, the ragù, the tiramisu – remain on the food front, but newly installed chef Trisha Greentree, fresh from working the kitchen garden at Brae, has made a point of befriending local growers and producers, and making their produce the defining factor of her menus. Stracciatella from Vannella in Marrickville, perhaps, spread with anchovies and blackened spigarello leaves, or white corn from Boon Luck Farm under a grating of cured egg yolk and lime. Come dessert, the flan – rich without being eggy, and covered in orange and Partida Creus vermouth caramel – is a new bitter-sweet classic that's all her own. One to savour.
10 William St Paddington, Sydney, NSW,
Best Venue
Doltine House, Darling Island Wharf
Another waterfront view, this time back in the Harbour with a full view of Sydney’s city skyline. Doltone House has multiple sleek and modern meeting rooms as well as a main event space. Their location plays hosts to lectures and breakout sessions, cocktails and seated dinners. The indoor/outdoor space is accessible by boat so guests can enjoy a little cruise as well.
Be Our Guest .....
THE FULLERTON HOTEL SYDNEY
“Steeped in character and elegance, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is a luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of Sydney’s financial and fashion district, and housed in the historic former General Post Office building.
Feel the pulse of the city and enjoy the proximity to iconic landmarks such as Darling Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, Barangaroo, the Sydney Opera House and the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as theatres and noteworthy restaurants.”
https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-Sydney
Downtown and down the road !
“On October 9th, Louis Vuitton will relocate to 345 George Street in Sydney, just a short distance from its existing location which will be undergoing renovations.
The ground floor entrance invites guests into the bright Women’s Leather Goods universe. In the center of the space, the heart, clients will discover the “Fashion Trunk” which highlights Louis Vuitton collections.
Continuing the journey through the store, clients will enjoy the men’s universe. Designed as a men’s club, it features vintage furniture from1960s Europe which adds a special atmosphere to the space. Going up through the main staircase the women’s salon will feature ready to wear, shoes, leather goods and a private salon.
The store will also offer a broad selection of products across all categories, such as leather goods, travel, ready-to-wear, accessories, and fragrances.”
https://au.louisvuitton.com/
Island bound luxury
The epitome of luxury travel is exclusivity and seclusion, staying on a private island offers divine opportunity for solitude, world class service and nature in a pure and unspoilt way. Leave the jewels and the ballgowns at home, but do pack lip gloss, you should never have dry lips.
Cocoa Island, Maldives
Understated pure luxury experiences is what you will experience in the world of Cocoa Island. This island paradise provides guests with a truly intimate private getaway overlooking the water in your suite. Powder white white sand surrounds you and the other 32 suites. The resort states their dedication is to renewing your body and soul with a plethora of spa treatments, one on one yoga and full nutrition tailoring. Cocoa Island is luxury and well being wrapped in 1000 thread count sheets.
Check out Como’s website:
Hayman Island, Australia
Hayman Island in its current incarnation is 100% about immersive luxury right in the heart of the amazing Great Barrier Reef. IHG have taken a great resort and moved it right to the top, far more than just a beach hotel this is 100% resort in the heart of the Whitsundays, with only 166 rooms, suites and villas done with their own pools, all with views of open sea or tropical gardens.
IHG Hayman Island website:
Cayo Espanto, Belize
It has been said that this is where God goes to Shen he just wants to relax. This sanctuary of an island is just off the coast of Belize in the jewel like Caribbean Sea. Your private accommodation right on the waterfront means you can forget the rest of the world exists. Take a spa treatment on your private deck with the sea lapping at your toes and refined gourmet dining, with a ratio of staff to guests well in your favour. There are never many available spots on this island as it only has seven villas set aside exclusively for beach-seeking travelers, rich list inhabitants and A- list celebrities.
A private island starts here:
Necker Island, Britain Virgin Islands
Chicken or the egg? Necker Island or Branson? Which came first! Well of course Necker island did but it’s Sir Richard Branson that made it the island to be on. 74-acres in the Caribbean that is open to you, plus 21 of your closest friends and family if hired exclusively. Necker Island will make you feel like royalty with bare feet. With a dedicated team of staff to maintain the land and provide excellent service, take part in stress-free activities like tennis and yoga with your very own fitness coach on the island. Nothing is out of the question on this island.
This way to ......
Villa North Island, Seychelles
Jaw-dropping is the only way to describe this island is in the heart of the Seychelles fit for a royal honeymoon (William and Kate) or just yo get away. As with only 11 villas on the island you may struggle to find another guest, or want to. You have your own section of beach, your own private garden and your own pool and outdoor showers. This is privacy at its best.
Head North:
Best of the Best to rest in, Istanbul
It was called Constantinople you know.
In a spot brimming with more resorts than you could stop by in your lifetime, finding the right isn’t quick. However, when it comes to only the best will do these 5 are some of the finest in Istanbul.
Georges Hotel Galata
Georges Hotel Is the epitome of a new wave of boutique establishments that have or are opening in the Istanbul’s old European quarter. Georges makes the most of the beautiful 19th-century apartment building where 20 large suites have been fashioned based 100% on what this breed of discerning clientele want from their accommodation.
When booking your suite see if you can get the ones with balconies providing Bosphorus views. Georges also offer an amazing list of in-room activities including one-on-one meditation classes and therapeutic massages.
The sun-blest rooftop of this hotel is where you will find their French cafe, Le Fumoir, surrounded by a sea of sights of the old Sultanahmet.
Hotel link :
Georges Hotel Galata
Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul
When you talk about location, the Four Seasons sits proudly located in the area of Besiktas, with its Waterfront palaces surrounded by a dense maze of narrow streets that are dotted with neighborhood shops, laid-back bars, and authentic restaurants. Locals throng to the busy Saturday produce market nearby. while there are perfect picnic spots can be nearby in Abbasağa and Yıldız Park that are perfect for a hamper from the Four Season Kotchens.
This grand Ottoman building stands just yards from the shore and offers every little thing you’d count on from high-end boutique on premises plus cafes and restaurants plus the obligatory high-end day spa with outdoor and indoor swimming pools.
This is truly grand style in this city of two continents.
Hotel link:
Four Season Hotel, Istanbul
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Constructed by Sultan Abdulaziz, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski has sacrificed nothing in the way of its noble richness. They say this property isn’t only for the super wealthy but you’d be hard pressed not to paying for the privilege of staying here. This Sultan’s Suite has become the most high-priced on the planet. Visitors living in any of the 14 Palace Rooms can easily arrive by exclusive chopper transfer to be welcomed by their own butler .
There are a variety of slightly less expensive but only reasonably less lavish suites, plenty of with sights of the Bosphorus.
This grand pleasure palace is like the Four Season, on the coastline of the Bosphorus, proudly located between the peaceful local communities in Besiktas as well as Ortakoy, merely a 10-minute cab drive from Taksim Square or two minute chopper transfer!
Hotel link:
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Pera Palace Hotel
If anyone who is an Agatha Christie admirer searching for extravagance as well as 19th-century splendor, this Pera Palace Hotel is actually a home. It was built in 1892 for the purpose of hosting the passengers of the famed ‘Orient Express’. It holds the title of the oldest European hotels in Turkey.
Re-opened after having a jaw dropping renovation that is rumoured to have cost north of AUD$37 million brings the more than 100 suites and large rooms, day spa, Grand Cafe, Turkish Tea Bar and Patisserie back to their famed luxe position.
Hotel link;
Pera Palace Hotel
W Istanbul
The W Istanbul is Set within a stunning row of 19th-century house of should We say mansions, the W Istanbul is designed to surprises and delight. And it does it from the get-go, with the entrance as a mirrored tunnel walkway that looks like a jewelry into nightclub-style lobby, where funky playlist seams set the tone.
Sultry and spacious, the guestrooms all have high ceilings, great for a hot climate but try for the ‘Wonderful Rooms’, named with the typical for W hotels flair and comes with a private terrace.
W Lounge, an elegant Ottoman-inspired spot open 24 hours a day will keep you topped up with ‘Menemen’ (a Turkish take on scrambled eggs), delicious sucuk sausage and simit bread. The hotels ‘Destination Bar’ is one of the cities hottest hipster hideaway perfect for cocktails and DJ sets.
Hotel Link.
W Istanbul
Areas to see and be seen in Constantinople Istanbul:
1. SULTANAHMET
This amazing area, known as the Old Town, has got most of the historical sites like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque.
2. NISANTASI
Istanbul's high end boutique district offers both international designers and unique local boutiques.
3. KARAKÖY
This hip area is the right place if you're looking for a contemporary art exhibit, delicious food and quintessential local brands.
4. MODA
Anatolian Side's calm and quiet streets meet vintage stores, pubs and all kinds of music.
Best of the Best
Tailoring - Melbourne, Australia
P Johnson
Established in Sydney in 2009 and now with showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, New York and London, P Johnson offers a unique approach to creating elegant and versatile wardrobes for our clients. P Johnson draws upon traditional Italian tailoring practices, with a focus on lightness, simplicity and wearability. We are custom specialists, and are here to help you build your ideal wardrobe.
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Harrolds, Collins Street
“FOUNDED IN 1985 ON MELBOURNE’S COLLINS ST, HARROLDS IS A LIVING FASHION INSTITUTION SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN DESIGNERS AND PROVIDING A HOME FOR LUXURY FASHION IN AUSTRALIA.
TO THIS DAY, HARROLDS REMAINS A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS IN THE CARE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR, ROSS POULAKIS.
HARROLDS HAS BLOSSOMED IN JUST 30 YEARS FROM A 90 SQM SPACE INTO A BUSINESS OF FASHION RECOGNIZED TOP 30 GLOBAL MENSWEAR RETAIL INNOVATOR WITH STORES THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA. IN 2015 HARROLDS LAUNCHED OUR FIRST DEDICATED WOMANSWEAR STORE, REPLICATING THE CAREFULLY CURATED COLLECTIONS AND DESIGNER EXCELLENCE THAT HAVE MADE OUR MENSWEAR STORES A WORLD-RENOWNED FASHION DESTINATION.
THE EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN HOME OF THE FINEST COLLECTIONS FROM TOM FORD TO SAINT LAURENT, HARROLDS COMBINES TAILORING AND MODERN LUXURY PIECES WITH THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOOKS OF THE SEASON AND IS HOME TO MORE THAN 70 OF THE FINEST DESIGN HOUSES IN THE WORLD.”
Www.harrolds.com.au
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Maimone Charles Tailoring
Charles Maimone has been making suits out of his shop on the hidden Crossley Lane since 1972. Starting as a tailor in Sicily when he was just 14-years-old, Charles has a ton of experience and will have no trouble in making the perfect suit for you.
Everything's made in the workshop along with his long-time assistant Flavio. Suits start at $3,000. No website either—that's how legit he is.
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DUBAI
THE BEST OF THE BEST
Water water everywhere!
Yes it’s a desert but why not Witness the tallest performing fountain in the world during a visit to Dubai’s ‘Downtown’. The Dubai Fountain offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in a captivating water, music and light experience that is far higher and wider than its Las Vegas counterparts.
Submerged within the 30-acre Burj Lake, at the foot of The Dubai Mall, powerful water jets are laid out strategically over an area equal to the size of two football pitches. Even from the Burj Khalifa adjacent to the fountains, these jets throwing up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time are impressive.
Each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to music, producing what has become the most popular stops in Dubai. As the fountains fire, a range of beautiful, classical and contemporary music plays in sync with the show, which takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm daily.
The unique design features five circles of jets which shoot water to impressive heights that can be seen from over 30km away. With the introduction of thousands of WET super lights and over 20 colour projectors, the spectacle is a visual masterpiece.
If being a bystander isn’t enough for you, experience this wonder up close with the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride. Set sail on the lake itself during the water show – they’re the best seats in the house, though a little moist at times.
I preferred to wander along the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk where you can get even closer to the spectacle by strolling on the 272m floating platform which is just 9m away from the fountains
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All up in the air!
Discover the Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building, global icon and a feat of architectural engineering.
A marvel of not just engineering but also imagination and design, the 828m Burj Khalifa draws visitors from all over the world since its grand opening in 2010. Built as the conceptual heart and soul of the city of Dubai – inspiring the viewer to ‘imagine new possibilities’. Design inspiration cane from the Hymenocallis flower, the towering structure is essentially three sections arranged around a central core. Viewed from above, it is consistent with the onion-dome design frequently found across a variety of Islamic architecture, albeit those are on a much, much, much smaller scale.
The Burj Khalifa boasts not one but two observations decks – the two-storey one found at floors 124 and 125, as well as the world’s highest observation deck (555m) on the 148th floor, yes you can almost see Hone!
Want that money can buy you experience why not dine in the tower at, At.mosphere located on the 122nd floor, or experience new heights at The Lounge, Burj Khalifa, which is spread across floors 152, 153 and 154, making it the tallest lounge on the planet.
This isn’t just a tourist attraction,it is an icon that a city has been built around. Not unlike the Burj Hotel on the coast, This truly is a bucket list visit.
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Not just a necklace .
A shimmering jewel set on a seahorse-shaped island in Jumeira Bay, Bvlgari Resort Dubai brings Mediterranean style to the Middle East. Surrounded by ocean views and home to the first Bvlgari Yacht Club & Marina, its nautical spirit inspires the Resort’s design, making it an oasis of luxury minutes from the mainland.
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To shop or not to shop
Alserkal Avenue
This once-sparse industrial compound is now a hotbed of arts and culture in Dubai. The three rows of warehouses house more than 15 galleries. Big name galleries like the New York-based Heller has brought exhibitions of contemporary American and European artists, while others, like Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde focus on rising stars from the Middle East.
Formula 1 style and not a car insight !
“Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience where tradition and modernity are woven together. This venue offers a distinctive dining concept with authentic Italian cuisine paired with contemporary Japanese dishes by the award-winning restaurant Sumosan.
The Italian menu proposes a wide variety of mouth-watering starters, a selection of traditional and revised pasta and risotto, meat and fish main courses and exceptional Neapolitan Pizzas.
Billionaire Mansion is set to give Dubai clubbers a taste of “Billionaire’s Life”. The brainchild of Italian entrepreneur and F1 boss Flavio Briatore! The guests can expect a lavish and luxurious club experience unrivaled in Dubai.” See website for more.”
Billionaire Mansion Dubai
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A picture paints a thousand words, well a couple of hundred at least.
Design / Colour / Interiors / Exteriors
Best Hotel - Hong Kong
The Peninsula Hotel
Grande Dame of the Far East for more than 90 years the Peninsula Hong Kong has been seen as the global beacon of hospitality, this legendary hotel continues to set standards worldwide, offering the perfect and balanced blend of the best Eastern and Western in an abundance of classical grandeur and elegance.
The Peninsula Hotels has become the first and the only luxury hotel brand in the world to achieve a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for every hotel in our portfolio. (You will find Peninsula properties throughout Asia, America and now Europe with Paris and the soon to be completed London venture).
You may not alight from a train or steamer from Shanghai like in its humble beginnings, but a stay at the hotel allows you to re-live the glamour of travel of a by-gone era. This is no normal chain hotel but a group of individual properties tied to a standard of Euro-Asian inspired perfection.
High Tea
There is nothing more quintessentially iconic of Hong Kong than the acclaimed Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea. Served daily in The Lobby, which has long been recognised as one of the most elegant meeting places in Hong Kong, having delighted in more than 20 High-Tea’s here, I can attest that this is pure tradition. I don’t even bother looking at the menu, my only decision is what tea blend and that’s Earl Grey.
Be sure to book, queue’s belong on Canton Road shops not in this foyer.
The Peninsula Yacht
The Peninsula Yacht, yes I said yacht, why not? Offering a unique site seeing and dining experiences with the most spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, because you’re right there in the middle of it. The classically modern yacht is ideal for any and all occasions. From pre-wedding photoshoots and birthday parties, to corporate retreats., or just wanting to enjoy Hong King’s famed ‘Symphony of Lights’ from the harbour viewpoint. The Peninsula Yacht is the pinnacle of a suite of luxury services offered at The Peninsula Hong Kong, poised to create truly unforgettable memories.
Transfer in style
MANY HOTELS OFFER COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE—BUT NOT LIKE THIS.
As a traveller to Hong Kong, you typically step outside the airport and hail a taxi, or take a local bus or in Hong Kong’s case the Airport shuttle train. But if you’re lucky, the hotel you're staying at will send a shuttle of it’s own kind to pick you up and drop you off in impeccable fashion at the front door. If you’re really lucky? You’ll be met and chauffeured around in a luxury Rolls Royce.
This is no dream, nor available just for A-listers: If you’re staying at one of the ten Peninsula hotels around the world, depending on the location, you'll have access to an entire fleet of vehicles that you can either drive or be driven in—BMWs, Mini Coopers, and the like. The Peninsula's biggest draw for over-the-top service, though? Their impressive collection of Rolls-Royces. Oh and in Hong Kong, I find their helicopter service leaving from the roof top through the elegant Clipper Lounge the only way to head to close by Macau or mainland China.
BEST OF THE BEST
Jewel Toned
Ana Khouri
With a background in fine art, the buzzy New York designer Ana Khouri has made waves in the jewelry world with her sculptural, cutting-edge approach. (Khouri was recently named one of Galerie’s Creative Minds.)
In Paris, she presented her Harmony collection, which includes a stunning ear cuff crafted with 18K white gold and dripping with briolette-shaped diamonds that sits perfectly along the ear.
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Not just a handbag - LOUIS VUITTON
Louis Vuitton pays homage to powerful medieval heroines for its high jewelry collection. This stunning Royaume choker, featuring a 19.31-carat royal blue sapphire sitting within a web of 1,600 diamonds, recalls both the architectural lines from a fortress and mimics the shape of a gorget, a special piece of armor that was designed to protect the throat.
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Inspiration Global
Informed by her background as a classically trained cellist, Taiwan-born Anna Hu‘s latest collection, titled Silk Road Music, is inspired by the music and culture from the most ancient route in the world.
This lyrical Rachmaninov bracelet is inspired by the Russian composer and the architecture of St. Basil’s cathedral and features a kaleidoscope of rare gemstones.
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THE HOUSE THAT HARRY BUILT
Few jewelry brands have such an illustrious history as the House of Harry Winston. Founded in New York City in 1932, by Mr. Harry Winston – an innate gemologist, an intuitive business man, and a dedicated philanthropist – the brand continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watchmaking.
Known throughout his life as the "King of Diamonds", and the "Jeweler to the Stars", Mr. Winston's innovative design philosophy – in which the individual gemstones, rather than the metal settings, would dictate each design – helped to revolutionize fine jewelry designs, and remains at the cornerstone of a timeless aesthetic that continues to inspire all Harry Winston creations. From the acquisition of some of the world's most famous gemstones, including the Jonker, Hope, and Winston Legacy Diamonds, to adorning generations of famous faces, from Hollywood legends to international Heads of State, for over eight decades, the Harry Winston name has been synonymous with the best that there is.
Today, the House of Harry Winston continues its tradition of creativity, rarity, and quality without compromise in its retail salons around the world, including: New York, London, Paris, Geneva, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Spotlight : Arbonne RE9 Charcoal 3-in-1 Wash for Men.
This multi-purpose all in one face, hair and body wash contains activated charcoal powder derived from vegtables — a heavy hitter at cleaning your pores deep down. It’s balanced by argan oil to moisturize, along with an invigorating scent of spicy turmeric and bergamot. Use it every day for a refreshing wash any time of day. | 8 fl. oz.
ON THE RAILS
Japan Has Raised The Luxury Standard, Again.
Since the day the first train turned its wheels on those shining tracks, there has been a love affair with train travel that has lasted in one way or another for generations of travellers. But it’s the excitement of a Trans-Siberia journey or the majesty of the Rocky Mountaineers, but nothing has ever matched the glamour of the Europeans.
The train all others are judged on is the luxury liner on rails, the ‘Venice-Simplon Orient Express’, bought to scandalous life by Agatha Christie in her 1933 novel, ‘Murder On The Orient Express’, and has had Travellers infatuated with luxury train travel ever since.
Now it seems there is a rival from another train loving nation. Japan has long had been enamoured with trains, though this is more to do with the famous high speed ones, Shinkansen or as many of us know, the Bullet trains. Now, Japan has a train that not only rivals it’s European counterpart, we dare to say it might have surpassed it.
The Train-Suite Shiki-Shima, operated by East Japan Railway Company, is one of the world’s most exclusive trains. Each journey hosts a maximum of 34 passengers at a staggering cost starting from ¥740,000 (AUD$9,565) per night, per person and that’s twin share.
One look at this amazing train and you know that it was designed more like a speeding car or jetliner than a train. Bought to life by Industrial designer Ken Kiyoyuki Okuyama, with design projects for Ferrari and Maserati, bought his eye and aesthetic to the 10-car sleeper train to life, without missing a beat as to what this form of travel is all about, refinement.
Okay let’s have a look at what makes this such a standout. You start by entering the Komorebi lounge is designed so the walls and windows reflect the organic shapes and subtle light of the countryside, even the music has been specifically designed for the train.
Now for the suites, working fireplaces, hand crafted wood baths, a lounge room that converts into a luxury sleeping suite. And that’s just the deluxe, you want full on Emperor level, then the two floor suites in Car 7 are for you. Shiki-shima Suites are two floors of Japanese excellence and price is on application, probably if you have to ask then it’s not for you.
For those who have travelled on the Rocky Mountaineer you will remember their amazing domed observation decks, the Shiki-Shima cars is literally at ‘’Jestson’ level. Futuristic white metal wall and glass panels mended together providing virtually floor-to-floor panoramas.
Michelin-starred chef’s, have devised the menus based on the path of each journey the train takes, so it’s fitting all meals are served in a chandelier clad dining room. If you have watched ‘Snow Piecer’ then think the front end of the train!
Amenities are the finest as you would expect, coupled with high-level Japanese service and a subtlety that you’ll only find in this part of Asia, makes the ‘Train Suite Shiki-Shima, the ‘Best of the Best’.
BEST OF THE BEST
Between the sheets.......or just the sheets !
The “Rolls Royce” of bed linens is French maker Porthault;.
The family-owned company claims to have crafted the first printed sheets in 1920, and is known for its floral fantasies. You can make your bedroom into a garden of floral artistry, with sheets and pillows of all sizes (true luxury requires having a minimum of 7 pillows on the bed), window treatments and other accoutrements, including matching wastebaskets. You can find the line at D. Porthault stores; at Harrods, Le Bon Marché and Bergdorf’s; and at fabulous Relais & Chateaux properties all over Europe. A king-sized set of bedding will range in price from $3,650 to over $6,500, depending on the print you select.
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The names Leron.
The 107-year old New York based firm owned and operated by the same family for three generations, creating custom “couture linens” for bed, bath and table. You can visit their showroom on Manhattan’s Upper East Side to get a sense of their capabilities, or they’ll make a visit to your home. Prices start at about $1,600 for a king-sized bedding set, and can go north of $5,000
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Sferra Linens
Italian heritage, and still produce all sheeting and top of bed linens exclusively in Italy. Founded in 1891 by Gennaro Sferra, an immigrant from Italy, and his two brothers, the company is now owned by another family, but still making its products in the US. Sferra provided the in-flight bedding for Pope John Paul II and the table linens for state dinners in the Reagan White House. Need a more recent endorsement? Kourtney Kardashian boasts of using Sferra table linens. Spanning both traditional and modern business practices, the company bought Brahms Mount, a rustic Maine textile mill weaving on vintage shuttle looms, and was also one of the first luxury linen brands to offer an iPad app. One of our stylish friends swears by their products (she describes them as “expensive but fabulous.”) A king-sized bedding set runs from $3,000-$5,000.
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Best of the Best for Arts Sake
Hong Kong ‘5’
Hong Kong is developing extremely fast — that is why every day more and more tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the exciting and fascinating modern art market. It absorbs true connoisseurs of art as well as ordinary people with a glare of international exhibitions. A great variety of art galleries will not leave anyone indifferent. What’s more, admission is absolutely free.
Hong Kong is an important center for international art-communities, first of all, because there interest in contemporary art is constantly growing. There are a lot of great and outstanding galleries in Hong Kong. Choose one of them from the list below and enjoy a fantastic atmosphere of art!
Gagosian
Being luxuriously large and luminous with sunlit space, and blockbuster names such as Roy Lichtenstein or Richard Prince, this art gallery does not require any long introductions. In 2010 it was one of the most visited Hong Kong galleries that can be explained by the top level of all the presented exhibitions.
Address: 7F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central.
Open Tuesday–Saturday 11am–7pm.
White Cube Gallery
One of the most widely famous private galleries opened in Hong Kong. It was designed to become the first White Cube venture outside of the United Kingdom. On the whole the gallery corresponds to the image of its owners known as epatage, which has always received conflicting comments. ‘A giant that everybody loves to hate’ — the most suitable description. No wonder that public attention was riveted on this event.
Address: 50 Connaught Road, Central.
Open Tuesday –Saturday 11am–7pm.
Experimenta
Trying to broaden the boundaries of international art, Experimenta focuses digital media and Internet-based up-to-date technological means. This absolutely new and innovative approach to modern art is devoted to current social and political issues. This gallery extends the boundaries of an ordinary gallery and it also becomes a place of international communication on urgent issues.
Address: Shop B Lower Ground Floor No 89-95 Hollywood Road Central.
Tang Contemporary
Tang Contemporary Art has grown to include galleries in Beijing and Hong Kong. A pioneer on the Asian contemporary art scene, the gallery’s focus is on Chinese and Southeast Asian contemporary artists, including leading Chinese figures such as Ai Weiwei, Huang Yongping, Shen Yuan and Wang Du. Tang Contemporary Art was the first gallery to move into H Queen’s – Hong Kong’s first “vertical art complex”, housed in a state-of-the-art glass tower designed specifically with galleries in mind.
More Info
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80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
+85226828289
10 Chancery Lane Gallery
Outstanding and not so well-known works can both appear on the walls of this art gallery because the main point of all the exhibitions presented here is to bear a particular thought or idea. This kind of art does not have an aim to shock the viewers but to encourage them to consider art as a deeper purpose and not just a communication value. Art for the art–is an old idea of art expression known in different cultures of the world.
Address: 6F, 10 Chancery Lane, Soho, Central; Unit 604, Chai Wan Industrial City Phase 1, 60 Wing Tai Road, Chai Wan.
Open Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm.
Paris Best
Les Suites
Maybe you're looking to purchase your dream dress in Paris — or perhaps, last minute, you need the right outfit for a formal event in one of the most fashionable cities in the world. If so, Les Suites is a great option. The boutique describes itself as, "Haute aesthetics. Haute experience. Haute shopping. Haute ready-to-wear," and boasts an impressive product selection of very high-end labels that are often hard to find, ranging from Delpozo to Manish Arora. Often times, Les Suites has exclusives from these brands that you can't find anywhere else. Les Suites is appropriately located in central Paris, right around the corner from the Four Seasons Hotel George V.
Londons 5 most extravagant suites.....
Our list of the most opulent, extravagant and decadent accommodations in London.
Exceptional amenities, stunning design and over-the-top attention to detail ensure these suites are a cut above the rest.
The Apartment, The Connaught,
The Connaught is as instantly recognizable as the water feature outside by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, but many come for the Art who will delight further at the 3,000-strong collection of original artworks from artists like Damien Hirst, Louise Bourgeois and Barbara Hepworth.
But the Real treat is when you see the cobalt-blue, hand-carved front door of The Apartment: Inside the 3,070-sq-ft penthouse, double-height ceilings with a fireplace, four-poster king bed in the master bedroom, two-and-a-half bathrooms, an enormous living room, and dining room with space for eight, with its separate kitchen, other than the stunning design by the team at David Collins Studio there’s the exclusive wraparound balcony and two terraces.
From $24,350 per night.
Royal Penthouse Suite, Corinthia Hotel, London
In London’s Westminster neighborhood, the Corinthia is lavish with its enormous glass-domed lobby, grand floral displays and glittering chandeliers. The two-story Royal Penthouse Suite has views from its terrace of landmarks: the London Eye, Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, St Paul’s.
Inside, the two floors connect via a private elevator and a spiralled staircase. Large living room, dining room for 10, study/office and hidden butler’s kitchen. The upper floor has a huge master bedroom with walk-in closet and master bath with spa suite, a TV lounge, 75-sq-ft balcony, terrace and a second bedroom with walk-in closet.
From $24,350 per night.
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Royal Suite, The Lanesborough, London
The Lanesborough is a neoclassical monument on Hyde Park Corner in affluent Knightsbridge. This hotel is a destination in itself. As the name suggests, it is unashamedly regal and has views over Buckingham Palace Gardens. The 4,845-sq-ft suite has seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two drawing room’esque living rooms and a grand dining room with space for 12 guests. Guests of the Royal Suite enjoy butler service and the use of a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom.
From $15,400 per night.
Manor House Suite, Rosewood London
Rosewood London is at the heart of the action. Enter through a grand archway and carriageway into a quaint courtyard, The hotel is a restored Edwardian mansion with beautiful architectural details throughout. The Manor House is the only suite in the world with its own zip code, and it has its own entrance from Holborn Street, as well as a private elevator. The 1,990-sq-ft, one-bedroom suite is filled with curious trinkets, books and sculptures, and it feels far more like a chic city apartment than a hotel suite. Need more bedrooms? There are six connecting rooms available, creating the Manor Wing.
From $15,400 per night.
Mandarin Oriental Penthouse Hyde Park, London
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is a majestic turreted Edwardian building in Knightsbridge. The biggest refurbishment in the hotel’s 115-year history was completed in summer 2019 (it was supposed to be completed sooner, but a catastrophic roof fire caused a delay). The interiors were given a new lease on life by designer Joyce Wang. The Mandarin Oriental Penthouse has three en-suite bedrooms, two salons (each with dining space for eight) plus two kitchens.
There are views of the Shard and the London Eye from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom, and the third bedroom has a private balcony with views over leafy Hyde Park.
From $43,500 per night.
Best of the Best, Bangkok.
ROOM Concept Store
Thai architectural designers Maincourse charted a futuristic path when imagining the Siam flagship for ROOM. Modular, opaque polycarbonate shelves encircle the space, which features raw, unfinished ceilings—a cool contrast to the shopping center surroundings. Throughout the concept store are minimalist furnishings, cleverly designed kitchenware (don’t miss the dinosaur-shaped pasta forks), modern redos of classic kids’ toys, and home-centric bric-à-brac. Whatever you bring home will surprise and delight even the person who has it all
Brisbane’s Best of the Best - New Dining.
Anyone order the duck?
STANLEY
Jonathan Barthelmess is also partially to thank for this one – when he caught up for some beers with chef Louis Tikaram (whose star in the US has been steadily rising), he convinced Tikaram to give Brisbane a shot. Now, we have Stanley (also at Howard Smith Wharves). It’s a Cantonese-inspired restaurant that prioritises attention to detail and letting the quality of local produce speak for itself. The star dish is the Cantonese-style roasted duck (which takes four days to prep). Other highlights include a dish of steamed Hervey Bay scallops with vermicelli and XO sauce, and painted tropical crayfish lo mein.
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane
External link
ARC DINING
This is arguably Howard Smith Wharves’ most impressive venue yet. Designer Anna Spiro’s love for colour and luscious prints is obvious in the soft furnishings, and the space is filled with cane and wrought-iron furniture. Head chef Alana Sapwell has created a local produce-focused menu of dishes such as spanner crab with gala apple and cranberry hibiscus leaves. And Spanish mackerel with zucchini, chilli and native ginger. For drinks there’s an extensive list of more than 400 wines.
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City
External link
NOTA
Taking over the former premises of iconic Montrachet is a daunting task, but Nota succeeds by offering something very different to that French classic; approachable, familiar food that still has an elevated element. Share plates include quail served on sweetcorn polenta with charred corn, burnt hazelnuts and beef jus. And a sandwich built with tempura market fish and house-made tartare sauce. The interiors dial things down with a palette of black, white and tan, and exposed brick.
224 Given Terrace, Paddington
External link
The Fantauzzo Hotel
Carved into the cliff under Story Bridge, with an impressive presence, overlooking the new Howard Smith Wharves precinct, The Fantauzzo takes inspiration from acclaimed Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo.
This luxury hotel features 166 suites, with custom contemporary furnishings, three original artworks and 500 giclee prints of Fantauzzo’s most recognised works. A seamless combination of art, design and functionality, this is a powerful representation of contemporary creativity, with connected and inspiring spaces for guests to discover.
The six-storey hotel also offers four distinct food and beverage outlets as well as an impressive rooftop pool boasting spectacular views of the Brisbane River and CBD, bar, gym and three conference rooms, fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology.
Top five auction Houses,
Calm and refined one minute and the next it’s a fight of bidders wanting their piece of art history. Auction houses are not only surviving in the age of e-commerce and On-line trading but expanding at a rate of knots. There are numerous and extensive names that can be thrown into the bucket, but this is our Top Five.
5. China Guardian
Founded in 1993 at the start of China’s massive appetite for fine art and collectibles has spearheaded the growth of China Guardian. Established in 1993 as the first auction house specialising in high end sales of Chinese artwork and is the first Chinese Auction House to go International.
China Guardian is fast approaching The Poly International Auction Company by continuing to expand its collections and feed the vast Chinese hunger for luxury and art is again being seen as the ultimate.
4. Heritage Auctions
In comparison to the other auction houses in this article like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, Heritage Auctions Has established itself as the auction house for collectables and selling complete collections., talking mainly coins, Western art, even vintage comics and Civil War memorabilia oh and don’t forget space memorabilia.
One of the biggest things about this auction house is that out of all of the major players it is the only one that was established on American soil. Heritage Auctions has a worldwide network of offices and sales rooms, A large proportion of their sales, like most purchases these days, take place In the online realm, half the money it earns is found from e-commerce transactions, nearly $1 billion.
3. Beijing Poly International Auction Company
The only founded in 2005 Beijing poly international auction company has fast become the most influential auction house in mainland China. This fast growth has basically been built on being modern and contemporary in the art that it handles.
Beijing Poly International Is definitely going to be the one to watch moving forward in the world of art auction houses.
2. Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s is an ever essential part of art auction house history on a world wide basis.Established in 1744 it became the first truly international auction house when it expanded to New York and Continuing this list of many firsts it opened its doors in China in 2012.
Sotheby’s holds auctions in ten international salesrooms backed by a stream of offices in over 40 countries. It is known as a hard-hitting auction house and the definites go to for selling items on the big scale, like Edvard Munch’s masterpiece The Scream selling for an unprecedented $119,922,500 . Definitely a household name.
1. Christie’s
85 offices, 43 countries, this powerhouse was founded in 1766 in England. Christie’s is the world’s top auction house, its South Kensington auction rooms are the worlds busiest. Christie’s became a private company in 1988, bought by Francois Pinault’s Artemis Group.
Christie’s celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2016 and has seen records tumble year in year out.
Bailey, Sumo Sized
Gathering portraits from the 1950s to the 2010s, we discover some 300 subjects such as Nelson Mandela, the Beatles, the Queen, Bill and Yves Saint Laurent, all printed big and bold, in Bailey’s signature style.
Golden opening @80 Collins
Fine Jewellery & Eyewear merges for extreme luxury
Sener Besim, has opened his first standalone store at Melbourne’s 80 Collins Stree. A custom designed space by Don McQualter of Studio McQualter, the flagship boutique Is the perfect showcase for this creator of brilliant eyewear and fine jewellery, and all round creative genius whose designs just make you feel good. The boutique showcases the brand’s iconic optical and sunglass frames as well as all that signature dripping-in-gold geometric jewellery.
ŞENER BESIM (pronounced shen-ner) is an Australian-born, Melbourne-based, internationally renowned designer. Sener Besim Fine Jewellery & Eyewear merges extreme luxury with a heightened sense of conscionable creation. Hand-crafted with care to a meticulous finish, each unique piece is destined to be worn by discerning women – and men – with passions that encompass the visual arts and architecture, style and design.
https://www.senerbesim.com
10 Corso Como
Best of the Best , Milano
10 Corso Como is the brainchild of former fashion editor Carla Sozzani, 10 Corso Como’s Milan flagship was credited with revitalizing that city’s high-end retail scene when it opened in 1991. So when Sozzani debuted its sister location in NYC’s South Street Seaport area last year, it immediately became a tentpole for the rebirth of the landmark neighborhood, which had been battered by Hurricane Sandy.
The store makes a striking first impression, all mirrored light fixtures, glass displays, and mosaic tile accents. Between racks of Prada, Ferragamo, and Margiela are affordable one-off collaborations—Happy Socks footwear, Graphic Image leather goods, Shake It Baby snow globes—that make ideal stocking stuffers
Artists & Fleas
This multi-outpost market (take your pick among SoHo, Chelsea, and Williamsburg locations) showcases the original designs of independent designers and artists alongside talented vintage curators. Shoppers will find Alexandra Beth’s trendy gold-plated cowrie shell earrings just steps from retro tees by East Records NYC.
For the well-coiffed husband, there are natural beard care products from Real Bearded Men; for the die-hard New Yorker, don’t miss Hudson and Kings’s dip-dyed leather backpacks, laser engraved with NYC and Brooklyn emblems.
AN INSIDER'S TOP 5 IN SÃO PAULO
São Paulo is well worth a stopover for its Pinheiros district, packed with cool cafés and indie artisans.
Chapéu Beachwear
The absolute best of Brazilian beach wear has to be sought from Chapéu Beachwear. You won’t just find those itsy bitsy tiny bikini but also sexy as hell hot-pants sexy mix-and-match tied tops and cut-away swimsuits styles designed and tested to suit every body type. This season there are block colours from vivid seaweed to sky-blue, and limited-edition pieces in floral prints are designed by artist friends of the owners Talita Carvalho and Pablo Noronha. Across the road you will find a seamstress that can nip and tuck your bathing suit to perfection. 
Cartel 011
Founded by Cristian Resende and Fernando Sapuppo to show off emerging Brazilian designers, as well as their own brand. Stock up on stylish tracksuits and sleek monochrome daywear - including T-shirt dresses, popular cropped jumpers and those perfect skinny trousers and funky trainers from the dedicated sneaker lab. Don’t forget to visit the cafe tucked away in a tropical courtyard and the walkway entrance that doubles as a gallery.
Wet and woody
Try out Wet & Wood's handplanes for bodysurfering, crafted from local hardcore kiri wood are the perfect Anti-snow dome souvenir. André Bianco and Bob Moraes, a pair of oceanographers behind the designs, also make beautiful chopping boards and locally sourced fabric wall hangings and amazing array of folding furniture.
João Pimenta
Tailor providing the heat....
Unfortunately to visit this hot tailor you will need to book months ahead for their made-to-measure tailoring that ranges from radical menswear designer three-piece suits, military jackets and macho skirts flirt with femininity and are crafted traditional and hand-spun natural fabrics. It's worth visiting if only to check out Pimenta's atelier, that has more of a Home feeling than that of a bustling atelier 
Cutterman
There's a permanent smell of leather inside Cutterman, which Instantly makes you think horses, cattle and open ranges of southern Brazil’s cowboy country. There’s everything you need for a week or so out in the ranges such as utilitarian backpacks, weekend duffle bags, army knives, perfectly hand-stitched leather wallets, and camera straps made by indigenous Mapuche artisans.
World’s Most Expensive Superyachts for Charter
Top Five
FLYING FOX
Rate: From $3,780,,000 per week
Location: Mediterranean (summer), Indian Ocean (winter)
Built: 2019
Length: 446.2 ft
Guests: 22 in 11 cabins (up to 36)
We have covered Flying Fox in greater detail in a piece here, but in short this is a one-of-a-kind vessel that offers a truly unique experience. At a hulking 446 ft, space is no issue with the yacht home to two helipads, a two-story spa, a 40-ft swimming pool, which is unique for a yacht of this size, and a full gym and beauty center, among other similarly impressive features.
It is worth drawing special attention towards the vessel’s cryotherapy chamber, as it’s the first to ever be installed on a private yacht and can reach -166 Fahrenheit. With 54 expert staff on board, including some former Olympians, Flying Fox is well-equipped to look after up to 36 guests, either in the Mediterranean in the summer months, or the Indian Ocean for the rest of the year. Whichever option is chosen, this superyacht is the peak luxury experience.
LANA
Rate: From $2,000,000 per week
Location: Mediterranean
Built: 2020
Length: 351.05 ft
Guests: 12 in 8 cabins
Lana is Benetti’s largest-ever build, at 351 ft and a maximum beam of 50 ft. The $2m weekly fee goes a long way with this much space.
Benetti’s craftsmanship is on display in the seven VIP staterooms, along with one master suite. Accommodate 12 guests in these eight cabins, with each room equipped with an individual color scheme and panoramic windows.
kitted out with everything we have come to expect with a superyacht of this size, featuring a spa, gym, cinema, helipad, and outdoor pool. Perhaps most striking is its Beach Club that comes with folding terraces.
Lady S
Rate: From $1,730,000 per week
Location: Mediterranean (summer), Caribbean (winter)
Built: 2019
Length: 305.12 ft
Guests: 12 in 7 cabins
Lady S was delivered in 2019 by Dutch builder Feadship. The interior was designed by Reymond Langton and described by them as “a contemporary jewelry box”, with the glitzy white and crystal chandeliers just one detail that highlights the truth behind this statement. Such is the quality of its construction Lady S was the recipient of two awards from Boat International for both its interior and exterior design.
Beyond aesthetics, the vessel is equipped with all the amenities and facilities that any charterer could desire. This includes the very first IMAX cinema to be installed on a yacht, a basketball court and ice plunge pool, along with all else that you would expect in this price range.
Madsummer
Rate: From $1,644,000 per week
Location: Mediterranean (summer), Bahamas/Caribbean (winter)
Built: 2019
Length: 312.66 ft
Guests: 12 in 10 cabins
Madsummer is a striking vessel, designed by the renowned Espen Oeino. Studio Laura Sessa furnished the interior, making use of a broad and bold color palette. Each of the 10 staterooms have a custom color scheme that is both contemporary and tastefully finished. Sessa has applied similar levels of customization throughout the ship. One notable detail of this is the custom-built dining table (a work of art in itself), which topped off with layers of colored lacquer for a beautiful result.
For the nautically inclined, the ultra-modern bridge is situated alongside the master suite, allowing the charterer easy access to the organizational hub of the yacht. The vessel’s fundamentals are state-of-the-art, with a 125kW, lithium-ion battery pack as just one example of this. This battery means less fuel is required and helpfully retains any excess energy produced.
Kismet
Rate: From $1,412,000 per week
Location: Mediterranean (summer), Caribbean (winter)
Built: 2014
Length: 312.34 ft
Guests: 12 in 7 cabins
Kismet has more than a touch of glamour about her, previously hosting Beyoncé and Jay-Z, along with other celebrities, while it has recently featured in ‘Six Underground’, Michael Bay’s $150 million new film. The appeal is clear with the ability to hold large parties for up to 270 guests and two helipads for ease of access for the world’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Owned by Shadid Khan, owner of NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, Kismet features a large silver jaguar at the bow in a nod to his team. The interior was designed by Reymond Langton, who was inspired by “champagne and caviar”.
Lengton has successfully combined traditional opulence with the latest technology, including state of the art video walls that can switch between regular television and moving artwork. The deck is laid with black marble, while the master suite’s bathroom contains an onyx bath that oozes glamor.
Covid Reading List
They can’t cancel the spring. The piece, composed entirely on Hockney’s iPad, depicts blooming daffodils rising up from a lush, green field. If you need more Hockney to lift your spirits.
Roses vs. Dollars
Who would have thought it smelled so sweet at the top.
Fragrance layering, rare ingredients, hand crafted bottles, all take wearing a fragrance further than just wanting to smell nice. Today it’s opulence, standing out in a crowd of celebrity fragrances and scents. We want to smell alluring, powerful or just plain pretty, but not like anyone else.
This list doesn’t take into account the bespoke fragrances, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to be made and only available to you, but this list is about those available ‘off the shelf’, Which surely makes them even more expensive as anybody with enough dollars could purchase them.
[ 5 ] Clive Christian No.1,
One of the high-end perfume designers and creators, Clive Christian has designed the No.1, one of the most expensive perfumes in the world. It was launched in 2001 and 2006 and was then known as the most expensive perfumes in the world. Gold sleeved and numbered It comes in two kinds of fragrances, a rich heated oriental for men and a heady nose fling Floral for women.
[ 4 ] Chanel Grand Extrait No.5
One of the highly-sought after perfumes by Chanel, This perfume comes with a price tag of USD$4,200 dollars per ounce. The ultimate fragrance in its rarest form. N°5 GRANDS EXTRAITS are limited per year exceptional pieces, highly sought-after collector's items exclusively made to order. The classic faceted crystal bottle, cut like a monumental diamond and sealed by the art of baudruchage, is nestled in a white satin-lined case protected by a sleeve that opens like a flower.
[ 3] Baccarat Les Larmes Sacrees de Thebes
Baccarat is more known for a history of the finest in crystal, from water glasses to custom designed chandeliers. As a perfume company, Baccarat offers one of the rarest m perfume blends on the planet, at a whopping USD$6,800 dollars per ounce.
It is one of the three limited-edition fragrances and comes in Baccarat's exquisitely designed, pyramid-shaped crystal bottle and its fragrance is frankincense and myrrh.
Oh and don’t ask for a sample, it’s like if you have to ask the price, you’re shown the door.
[ 2 ] Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial Majesty
‘Clive Christian No.1 Imperial Majesty’, is in reality the most extravagantly priced perfume in the world at USD$12,721.89 to be exact, (they say POA but we have our ways).
The heady fragrance of this perfume features an Tahitian vanilla, along with a hint of rare rosa centafolis. Clive packs a punch and a half in his fragrances. Yes this is an extraordinary elixir, but for his very special customers he would offer 500ml of absolute perfume oil, (and remember you are paying per ounce) in the most exquisite bottle that he and that Baccarat could devise. Ok it does have a diamond in it, but still a pretty penny. Oh and seven have been sold so far. Any takers?
[ 1 ] DKNY Golden Delicious
The most expensive perfumes ever sold was (Ok I’m cheating on this one a little), was when the world famous designer Donna Karan teamed up with the renowned jewellery designer, Martin Katz to design and create the most beautiful and expensive perfume ever.
This one off perfume bottle features 2,909 precious stones, ok Snd here’s the breakdown; 183 yellow sapphires, a 7.18-carat oval Cabochon sapphire from Sri Lanka, 2,700 white diamonds, 15 Argyle pink diamonds from Australia, 4 rose-cut diamonds, a 3.07-carat oval-cut ruby, a 4.03-carat pear shape rose-cut diamond and a 2.43-carat flawless, yellow Canary diamond that beautifies the cap, oh I nearly forgot the 1.6-carat turquoise Paraiba tourmaline from Brazil. Lucky hey!
The DKNY fragrance was enriched to high parfumerie levels and attained a price tag of USD$1 Million. After the sale of the perfume, its proceedings were donated to the Action Against Hunger Charity organisation.
NO.25
James Bond is back and after too many years of waiting for Bond movie No.25, ‘No Time To Die’, where we will see Daniel Craig’s final bow as the U.K. secret agent. This storyline is being pitched by Studios Eon and MGM as “the mission that changes everything” and the trailer does look like the case from the onset.
Academy Award winning actor, Rami Malek’s creepy masked villain Safin looks like a threat that no Bond villain has presented before, but it seems a lot of other things have changed since Bond supposedly stepped away from being an international spy, as we see Bond has left active service and is enjoying life in Jamaica.
His peace is short-lived, (didn’t see that coming, NOT), when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission? Rescue a kidnapped scientist but this turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, again, never expected that, putting Bond onto the trail of a mysterious masked villain armed with dangerous new technology, 5G perhaps?
So M (Ralph Fiennes) brings on a new 00 agent named Nomi (Lashana Lynch) to take over for 007 and that doesn’t mix well when Bond eventually shows up with her soon to be classic line to Moneypenny (Naomi Harris), “I can see why you shot him”.
The usual cast returns including Ben Whishaw as Q, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter, and in a turn up for the books, there’s the return Christoph Waltz’s Blofeld, Bond’s archnemesis who revealed himself to be the “author” of all of 007’s pain in Spectre. This time around it seems that Bond will have to work with Blofeld to defeat this new villain.
This teaser packs about enough punch to be a movie on its own there are bound to be many twists and turns, but at the end of the day I think we are all just glad that we get one more Craig as Bond.
‘No Time To Die’ Trailer:
IG INTERIOR DESIGNER SHOWCASE
Ready for the close up on design
Our editorial team upload a selection of images from a prominent interior design team. See images on the IG site @michaelcdavey or enjoy the videos here.
‘Best if the Best’ Launch
IG : Ferris Rafauli
IG : Ken Fulk
COMING UP
Highlights of Volune 2
The Champagne War
Couture, who’s your fit?
Macau what’s best ?
Now where did we park that jet?
Crystal clear ?
Tailors of the Harbour City
Best of Sydney’s Tailors
When it comes to finding the complete antithesis too fast fashion you have to look no further than the subtle art of bespoke tailoring. And when we say art we mean that this is an art form. Fitting layers and layers of fabric to the body to exacting personal measurements is what bespoke tailoring is. But does this art form exist in Australia is there a place for such tailoring in our climate and in a relaxed lifestyle.
Suiting in Australia has always been seen in two distinct groups. Those where the suit comes out for a wedding, funeral or that combination of both, the job interview and then there are those where the suit is the norm of day-to-day wardrobe essentials. Bought off the rack at a department store or in sales at the local shopping centre, these are the suits of the masses, but is there another side?
The answer is a very distinct and quietly spoken ‘yes’ and that refers to tailoring and by tailoring, we are talking ‘made-to measure’ and bespoke traditions that go back hundreds of years.
The hand made suit has been seen here in the country of casual is king, as the bastion of the old guard, politicians, scions of industry and the occasional tv personality.Today we see a resurgence in the bespoke arena that hasn’t been seen since polyester hit the racks in the 60’s. Bespoke seems to be the new lease on life for some, who just want quality, and clothing that is truly theirs, not pages 5-25 in the latest catalogue.
Here’s to the hidden doorways, the quiet arcades and the shining modern showrooms of the tailors if Sydney.
Zimma Tailors
Zimma Tailors is a relatively new brand which launched in 2011.
Don’t let the knowledhe that they have only been a business since 2011. Founder and senior designer, Roger Shamoun has been in the tailoring business for years. Zimma brings a young even said ‘fresh’ perspective on the Sydney scene.
The brand prides itself in detail and impeccable craftsmanship. Though the store shouldn’t add so much to an experience as it’s about the service and talent but here it’s a huge part of the experience. Carrera Marble, electric blue carpets and Australian Western Cedar, you know they are making a statement in a generous manner.
No.3 Palings Lane
330 George St, Sydney
Link
Bespoke Corner
This is at your service at the highest level. Forget about the store this is about being where you are.
The tailor will come to you, wherever you are, taking down an exacting and thoroughly full list of body measurements. Remember bespoke suit making will accentuate the perfect and hide the unruly, they need to know every bump and limp and position of a shoulder. Don’t hold it all in!
Then it’s a couple of fittings, re-pinnings, ripping, yes if it’s not tight it’s ripped out. Then you are presented with the Ana ing final piece, again where you are.
Shop 1, 55 Regent Street,
Paddington, 2021
Link
P Johnson Tailors
Modern, effortless, like visiting friends are all descriptives of P.Johnson who have established their atelier as one of the most modern found on our shores.
But we also have to remember that this young brand has an international pedigree with a slick New York and London showroom’s and an Italian factory. Effortless, lightweight and luxury fabrics are what P Johnson’s suits are all about, this is a chat with a new or old friend wanting to make the best modern you.
7 Walker Ln,
Paddington Sydney
Link
John Cutler
Remember we mentioned bespoke suiting and tailors was for politicians and the top end of town, well John Cutler Tailoring has dressed five prime ministers including Bob Hawke. For centenarian plus business, Cutler’s suit making skill set focus on quality fabrics, clean simple cutting and style, with a fit that easily covers a multitude of sins. Maybe this is as close to old guard Saville Row that you will experience on our shores.
6/12-14 O’Connell St,
Sydney
Link
Oscar Hunt
For custom made suits, You won’t just find that Oscar Hunt specialises in suiting; the brand also has a great range of accessories. Oscar Hunt has mastered the art of classic tailoring as well as perfected a contemporary silhouette.
When your showroom starts with a whisky lounge you know that this is an all encompassing experience. Oscar Hunt is a tailor that offers a complete ‘made-to-measure’ experience for every occasion, all done with every element in show for you to see and experience.
Oscar Hunt will ensure your entire outfit is following the right silhouette with shirt making and an amazing selection of accessories.
2 / 73 York Street Sydney
Link
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