This Magnificent Life

125 Years of Italian Magnificence:

Paris’ Grand Palais sparkled with the opening of a retrospective exhibition devoted to Bulgari, the Roman jewelry house that celebrated its 125^th anniversary in 2009. Entitled “125 years of Italian Magnificence,” the exhibition retraces the main chapters in Bulgari’s history and the evolution of the esthetic that made the brand a driving force of the Italian school, from 1884 to the present day. Over 600 masterpieces of jewelry, watch and clock-making will be featured with over 100 exclusive pieces on public display for the first time.

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Lisa Marie Fernandez Re-Invents the Bikini:

New York swimwear designer Lisa Marie Fernandez has created a wave throughout the luxury industry with her latest line of swim wear. Inspired by traditional scuba wear, Fernandez has created an athletic and flattering collection that has redefined the concept of swimwear, incorporating panache and practicality. Blazing the trail of modern swim wear she has combined bold colours that evoke a traditional eighties wetsuit, with taut, figure-hugging lines and chunky zippers that give each piece a modern edge. The collection marks a luxurious, modern neoprene that has never before been used in swim wear. This innovative fabric not only molds to the body, flattering a range of body types, it also possesses the durability and functionality to withstand the test of time. As a pioneer of luxury swimwear, we are certain that Fernandez will have more surprises for us in the future.

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Stefano Canturi Barbie Goes to Auction for Breast Cancer:

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in celebration of Barbie’s 50^th birthday, Christies New York will be auctioning off what is expected to be the most expensive Barbie Doll in the world. Custom designed by Stefano Canturi himself, the doll is expected to retrieve between $300,000 and $500,000 which will smash the record set in 2006 at Christie’s South Kensington for a Barbie Doll that was sold for $17,091. Donning a strapless, black gown and pink, peep-tow stilettos, the real show-stopper on the doll is the one-of-a-kind Canturi collar necklace featuring a 1-carat Fancy Vivid Diamond. The auction will be held on October 20 and all proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. We encourage everyone to show their support for this significant and meaningful cause.

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Alexander McQueen Knuckle-Duster Clutch:

Just months ago the world sadly lost one of its most innovative and prestigious fashion designers, Alexander McQueen. Famous for his unconventional, bold and dramatic designs, he was undeniably one of the fashion industry’s best assets. Since the tragedy occurred in February, McQueen’s design team has continued to produce a number of pieces that represent the fashion genius and his unique style. One of the latest designs is the very striking knuckle-duster clutch. The exterior has been elegantly fabricated with a beige satin and black lace overlay. The real feature however, is the four finger knuckle duster in the place of a handle. Each finger includes a carefully positioned skull embellished with black Swarovski crystals. This Gothic feature is a signature of Alexander McQueen’s previous work. We are pleased to see that McQueen’s unique vision continues to be brought to life in these brilliant designs.

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Nominations for the AsiaSpa Awards 2010 are Now Open:

Coming up in November are the sixth AsiaSpa awards recognizing some of the most cutting edge and prestigious Spas and treatments from across the region. The ceremony will be held in the Mira, Hong Kong and is expected to draw in over 400 people. The event will pay heed to the most outstanding Spas over a range of 28 categories. Some of the categories include “Best Holistic Treatment of the Year”, “Best Urban Spa of the Year” and also a new category for the “Most innovative spa”. The nominations are open until August 29 where a panel of 20 judges will decide on a shortlist for the ceremony in November. To submit your nominations go to http://www.asiaspaawards.com/show_form.html.

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Aussie Masterchefs are Blown Away by Guest Chef:

Just days ago, Australia’s Master Chef Contestants had the pleasure and the privilege of cooking with Michelin Star Chef, Heston Blumenthal. Faced with the opportunity to replicate some of his most complex, signature dishes, these 8 amateur chefs were indisputably, teeming with emotion. Varying from an unconventional “fruit bowl” to an incredibly involved, delicate dessert, each dish provided the contenders with their biggest challenge yet. This culinary genius is a self-taught chef who has taken the meaning of food to a whole new level. His restaurant, The Fat Duck was voted Best Restaurant in the world in 2005 and is now currently ranked third only to be surpassed by world-renowned Noma and El Bulli. Heston’s approach to cooking goes beyond creating delicious tasting food. It is a reconstruction of food that engages all of the senses, generating a multisensory eating experience. He is a true inspiration to all emerging chefs around the globe.

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MotoCzysz’s 2010 Model Takes the Gold at the Isle of Man:

For the first time ever, an American-made bike has seized first place in the world’s toughest motorcycle race. The 2010 model of the MotoCzysz E1pc racing bike was victorious in last week’s Isle of Man TT Zero electric motorcycle race. Falling short of their goal to reach 100mph in one full lap of the course, they still managed to reach an astonishing speed of 96.82mph. The bike is comprised of 10 individual, removable, lithium polymer cells which allow for fast recharge, meaning the bike can travel 40 miles under race conditions. To put this into perspective the Toyota Prius can only manage one mile in full electric mode. The Portland-based company MotoCzysz, are thrilled with their achievement on this particularly difficult track. Many fatal accidents have occurred over the years with riders taking turns and jumps at over 100mph. Despite this, the Isle of Man race is a great opportunity for manufacturers and bikers to showcase their skills on the island’s narrow and winding back roads.

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Firmdale Hotels Awarded for their Potting Shed Dream:

The stand out piece at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show was created by none other than Kit Kemp, design director/owner of Firmdale Hotels. Working in collaboration with Stephen Wicks and Mark Welford of Bloomsbury Flowers, the team received a Silver Grenfell award for their Potting Shed Dream. Entrants were required to produce a creative piece that was reflective of an afternoon tea extravaganza. Firmdale’s Potting Shed Dream represented a peaceful afternoon tea scenario in the potting shed of a handsome country garden. Reminiscent of all Firmdale hotels, the piece incorporated exquisite detail, right down to the gorgeous cup cakes that were carefully garnished with asparagus sprigs. To see more on the Chelsea Flower Show, go to http://www.firmdalehotels.com/index.php?page_id=19&sub_page_id=141&copy_page_id=614.

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Lyons Demesne Estate Cops an Astonishing Price Cut to Tempt Potential Buyers:

It seems the American’s aren’t the only ones suffering a dramatic downfall in the property market and in an effort to spark interest in potential buyers, Ireland’s top property has taken a €30 million price cut. Originally commissioned by Lord Cloncurry in 1785, Lyons Demesne estate sits on almost 600 acres in country Kildare in Ireland and was last year put on the market for €80 million. Rest assured, this was the highest price tag Ireland’s property market had ever seen on a local home. The property was formally owned by late Tony Ryan, founder of Guinness Peat Aviation and whose son Cathal founded Ryanair. After investing €100 million into the estate’s restoration, it won numerous awards for refurbishment. This Georgian style home features five lodges, formal gardens, an indoor pool and gymnasium, a wine cellar, a cinema and a gorgeous boathouse over-looking the spring-fed lake. Not to mention the eleven bedrooms and superb, 19^th century, Italian frescoes by Gaspare Gabrielli covering the walls. Unfortunately, prospective buyers don’t seem to agree with the €80 million price tag and as such, the property is now on the market for €50 million. The listing has been internationally marketed through Christie’s Great Estates and you can find out more at http://www.christiesgreatestates.com/properties/view_84485/.

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IWC Meets New York City, Cosmopolitans and Sky-High Manolo’s… Figuratively Speaking:

Enthralling fashion victims from all over the globe, Sex and the City has become notorious for its edgy fashion trends, expensive labels and Luxury living. It came as no surprise when we heard that IWC would be promoting their latest masterpiece in the up-coming movie sequel. After all, it’s not just our four favourite friends adding a splash of style to the show; it’s their male counterparts as well. For the second time around, Mr. Big will be donning one of IWC’s magnificent time-pieces. Just 2 years ago the Portofino Automatic appeared on actor Chris Noth’s wrist in the first film. IWC are delighted to be promoting their Classic Pilot’s Watch on the big screen again and are convinced it will be a great success.

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