Monthly Archives: July 2013

Madrid Barajas Airport

Iberia Launches Print-at-Home Bag Tagging Service

Madrid Barajas Airport

Passengers flying with Spanish carrier Iberia will now be able to download and print their own luggage tags at home before catching their flight, a new measure designed to shave time during the check-in process and improve overall punctuality.

Billed as a world first, Iberia has launched MyBagTag on domestic flights with plans to extend the service to European and international destinations throughout the year.

After printing the bag tag, the paper is meant to be folded into quarters and inserted into plastic envelopes which can be picked up at any  Spanish airport. Bags can then be taken to the baggage drop-off counters.

The new move follows on the heels of British Airways which launched an electronic bag tag this month, likewise in an effort to shave off precious time for flyers and speed up the check-in process.

Passengers flying with the flagship British carrier will no longer be issued paper bag tags but instead hold their smartphone over the electronic tag which will automatically provide a unique barcode containing flight details and an “easy-to-see” view of their bag’s destination.

iberiatag

Louis Vuitton Cup Pop-Up Store

Louis Vuitton Cup Pop-up store in San Francisco

On, July 3, 2013, Louis Vuitton opened the Louis Vuitton Cup Pop-up store in San Francisco, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Louis Vuitton and America’s Cup.

Located in the America’s Cup Village at the end of Pier 27/29, the store provides visitors with views of the sailing finish line on San Francisco Bay, while offering the most extensive assortment and exclusive product from the Louis Vuitton Cup Collection.

The collection includes the greatly desired Tambour Louis Vuitton Cup Flyback Automatic Countdown watch, and limited edition of “San Francisco” Neverfulls, beach towels, and sandals.

Designed with a sleek, modern sailing aesthetic accented in navy blue and white, the store will remain open until the races conclude on September 21, 2013.

Gucci eyewear campaign

James Franco poses for Gucci’s eyewear campaign

Gucci eyewear campaign

Gucci has unveiled its latest Black Bamboo sunglasses, which are set to go on sale in October this year.

In support of the new shades, the Italian luxury brand has also released the first details of a global ad campaign, set to debut in August 2013, featuring intellectual-heartthrob polymath James Franco.

Perched behind his dark ruthenium and grey shaded mirrored lenses, the Hollywood star was shot by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

The glasses feature a 1970s-style aviator frame in metal. The bamboo name comes from the use of the material on the bridge and wings of the glasses. It’s a nod to the brand’s heritage; natural bamboo cane is famously something of a Gucci hallmark, used since 1947 on the label’s handbags and jewelry.

An exclusive film shows off the techniques that go into producing the eyewear. The 30-second clip explores the process from initial concept sketches all the way to the finished article.

Franco has previously produced a film which explores the work of Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, and has also recently signed on as the face of the brand’s latest masculine scent.

Gucci Black Bamboo sunglasses

‘True Monica’ Dolce & Gabbana Beauty Campaign

true monica dolce and gabbana

Italian actress Monica Bellucci looks radiant in a Dolce & Gabbana beauty campaign lensed for her namesake line, “True Monica”.

The line is a balance of smoky, nude and rose hues — including a trio of “Monica Voluptuous Lipsticks” in nude shades, a “Smooth Eye Colour Quad” in a smoky palette and eye liner in graphite and chocolate for some smolder, as well as “Intense Nail Lacquers” in soft rose, pink and nude.

“We are constantly inspired by Monica Bellucci, to us she will always be the original Dolce & Gabbana woman; naturally, timelessly beautiful,” Domenico Dolce explains.

Developed by Dolce & Gabbana Creative Advisor Pat McGrath, the items add up to a classic vision of dark and light, and are available now in selected stores worldwide.

Sources:  fashiongonerogue – harpersbazaar

true monica dolce gabbana

Carla Bruni bulgari necklace

Bulgari Unveils Diva High Jewelry Collection

Carla Bruni bulgari necklace

In parallel to the haute couture week that wrapped up Friday in Paris, Bulgari has unveiled the jewelry designs of its ‘Diva’ haute jewelry collection in the presence of the luxury house’s new face Carla Bruni.

First presented in Portofino in late June, this new haute jewelry collection celebrates the Italy of the 1950s and 1960s, and was inspired by the Italian idea of “Dolce Vita” and the beauty icons of the time.

Not only the face but also the muse for the Diva line, Carla Bruni attended the presentation at Hotel Potocki in Paris. She showed up wearing a sublime blue necklace by the Italian jeweler.

The Diva jewelry sets feature very colorful stones in chic, refined styles.

As previously announced in March, Bulgari chose France’s former First Lady to promote its jewelry collection, with a campaign shot by American photographer Terry Richardson. Set in Rome, the campaign should be released next September.

Carla Bruni and Francesco Trapani

 

Warren Buffett chairman of Berkshire Hathaway

Buffett donating $2.6 billion in stock to charities

Warren Buffett, the billionaire investment guru known as the Oracle of Omaha, is donating about $2.6 billion in stocks to five charities as part of a plan to give away the bulk of his wealth before he dies.

Warren Buffett chairman of Berkshire Hathaway

The bulk of the annual donation, about $2 billion, went to the Gates Foundation, the philanthropic organization set up by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Buffett also donated millions to his own foundation and the charitable organizations set up by his three children.

Buffett, the second-richest American and the third-richest global billionaire on Forbes’ lists, has been a leading advocate for philanthropy among the wealthy.

Buffet and Gates launched The Giving Pledge in 2010, encouraging the world’s wealthy to commit to donating 50% or more of their fortunes to philanthropy during their lifetime or after they die.

Jaguar unveils Project 7 concept

Named in recognition of the company’s 7 Le Mans wins, the Jaguar Project 7 concept race car will be making its global debut at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed which runs July 11-14 in the UK.

Jaguar Project 7 concept car

Following a brief that, according to Jaguar’s head of design Ian Callum, simply stated: “to be driven fast and enjoyed,” the Jaguar Project 7 is based on the company’s latest sportscar, the F-Type but keen observers will notice that the finished product has also taken more than its fair share of design cues from the legendary Jaguar D-Type racer. Nowhere is this more evident than in the fairing that rises from the car’s rear, stopping just behind the driver’s head — one of the D-Type’s defining features.

Jaguar Project 7 concept

However, under the entirely aluminum body everything is bang up to date. There’s a 5-litre supercharged, 550PS, V8 engine with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300kph).

Jaguar Project7 Concept

It pushes its power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed gearbox and an electronic active differential to ensure the correct wheel has the correct amount of grip at any given moment.

Jaguar Project7 concept car

Adding to the sporty feel is the lowered windshield, the effect of which is magnified by the fact that the single seat in the specially designed cockpit is 30mm lower to the ground than in the F-Type, giving the driver a greater sense of the car’s behavior and better feedback and, crucially, improving the car’s center of gravity for grip, cornering and all-round handling.

Jaguar Project 7 interior

Also ensuring that the car doesn’t inadvertently leave the track — 550PS is a lot of power in such a lightweight package — the car features a bespoke carbon fibre aerodynamics package for better downforce and airflow.

Jaguar Project 7

But best of all, the Project 7 is not a static concept: it will spend its time at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed being put through its paces on the Hillclimb.

Jaguar Project7

Qatar Airways opens Harrods ticket office

Qatar Airways Harrods

Qatar Airways has launched its flagship high-street ticket office at the iconic Harrods department store in Knightsbridge London – next to the Harrods Bank.

Customers will be able to book flights to over 128 destinations around the world from the office, as well as take advantage of the company’s personalised booking service.

With an emphasis on luxury, the world-famous store seems a natural fit for the airline, which offers meals created by Michelin-starred chefs for passengers flying in its Premium Class.

Mohammed Al-Fayed sold Harrods for £1.5 billion to investment company Qatar Holdings in 2010, including the Harrods Estates and its charter aircraft service, forging a close link to the Arab state.

Singapore Airlines Business Class seats

Singapore Airlines unveils new cabins

Singapore Airlines Business Class seats

Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Tuesday unveiled new seats and other in-flight amenities in all classes as part of a sweeping upgrade of its cabins in an attempt to stay competitive.

Passengers on selected flights between Singapore and London will be the first to experience the improved seats and entertainment system, wider TV screens and other improvements.

SIA said it will spend nearly $150 million on improved cabin amenities on an initial eight Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The airline is battling strong competition from Asian and Middle Eastern carriers, and on the economy side from budget airlines, which have grown in number in Asia.

Singapore Airlines First Class experience

Like other airlines its net profit has been hurt by the sluggish global economy, which has hit both passenger and cargo demand, as well as high oil prices.

“The investment programme will be extended as the new products are introduced on Airbus A350 aircraft scheduled for delivery in the years ahead,” the airline said.

The airline said it worked with top global design firms to give passengers more comfort and luxury, including longer and more luxurious beds in first class and additional personal space in economy.

Singapore Airlines First Class bed

Roberto Cavalli opens a caffè in Saint-Tropez

cavalli caffe saint tropez

Roberto Cavalli has opened a Cavalli Caffè in Saint-Tropez’s Place de La Garonne. Connected to the Cavalli store, it features a steel counter and a wisteria tree pushing through the ceiling into the terrace.

There are chairs and sofas in the designer’s signature zebra and giraffe prints. The venue serves breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner. The à la carte menu boasts a fine selection of Italian dishes.

In keeping with the festive Saint Trop spirit, Roberto Cavalli has also drafted in a DJ for regular live performances at the caffè, making it the perfect place to start an evening packed with festivities.

cavalli caffe steel counter

Kenzo’s Fall 2013 Campaign with Toilet Paper

Kenzo FW 2013

French luxury brand Kenzo, now helmed by Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, has teamed up with Toilet Paper magazine on a new Autumn-Winter 2013 ad campaign.

The brand hired Humberto Leon and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony back in July 2011. In the two years since, the American creative directors have proved a revelation, simultaneously harking back to the founder’s ‘Jungle Jap’ prints while updating the brand for a new generation of switched on meme-savvy consumers (their Tiger sweatshirts have been both street-style staples and huge sellers).

Their latest coup? Hiring the talents behind Toilet Paper to art direct their surreal new ad campaign, which stars Asian actress Rinko Kikuchi and model Sean O’Pry, alongside a tiger-striped hound.

Kenzo Fall 2013

An experimental, picture-based magazine, Toilet Paper is the brainchild of artist Maurizio Cattelan, advertising photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari and art director Micol Talso.

It’s a world of “ambiguous narratives and a troubling imagination”, that has delighted the fashion set since it was first founded in 2010, but this is the first time the Toilet Paper trio have collaborated with a luxury label.

Kenzo held a special Independence Day BBQ in Paris to launch the campaign, which will be featured in international magazine titles from September onwards.

Kenzo Fall 2013 campaign

Four Rivers Floating Lodge

National Geographic Traveller – Luxury 2013 Out Now

Four Rivers Floating Lodge Cambodia

National Geographic Traveller UK has released its annual edition of luxury travel for 2013, with addresses of top hideaways across Latin America, extravagant rail journeys and exclusive wilderness lodges around the world.

Luxury travel ideas spanning the globe fill up 180 pages, including a cover story that asked travel writers to pair up 22 contrasting retreats like high-tech to off-grid lodging and urban versus wilderness accommodations.

Juxtaposing ‘air’ versus ‘earth,’ for instance, is a luxury “cowboy-meets-Heidi” hotel in the French Alps, Le Lodge Park in Megeve, set against a tent experience in the jungles of Cambodia, Four Rivers Floating Lodge. Cities profiled include Dubai, Positano on Italy’s Amalfi coast, London and Las Vegas.

Other travel ideas include stays at hotels branded by luxury fashion labels, precious-stone spa treatments and culinary escapes for gastronomes.

Vina Tarapaca, in Chile, for instance, is described as the most luxurious and extravagant wine hotel in South America, set within an estate that includes a 1920s mansion, golf course and pool.

National Geographic Traveller UK is on newsstands now. A preview can also be seen here.

Royal Nursery Suite at the Grosvenor House in London

Royal Nursery Suite Grosvenor House

To coincide with the highly anticipated birth of a royal baby this summer, the Grosvenor House in London has converted one of its suites into a luxurious baby nursery, decorated by the same children’s furniture company who designed the nurseries of royal babies William, Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie.

‘Suite dreams’ is fit for mini princes and princesses who may not have official titles, but are no less precious — and with price tags to match. Rates vary between £1,651 – £10,089 ($2,466  – $15,070).

Decorated by Dragons of Walton Street, the suite is inspired by Hyde Park and is an ode to Britannia, with London monuments made into mini, kid-friendly replicas and hand-painted images of one of the most beloved British children’s character, Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit adorning the suite.

Aside from the nursery, the master bedroom is decorated in soft ivory tones to soothe weary parents and features a chaise longue for nursing moms.

Until Sept. 30, families can choose between three packages: the Clarence (1 night), Windsor (2 nights) and the Buckingham (3 nights), which includes transportation to and from the hospital, babysitting services for a night, dinner for two at the JW Steakhouse, and a private visit to Buckingham Palace.

Royal Nursery Grosvenor House London

PALACE Magazine acquired by luxury publisher

PALACE Covers

Singapore-based publisher Heart Media Group has acquired Palace, a quarterly magazine focused on high-end properties for sale in Asia and around the globe.

With a print-run of 35,000 copies, PALACE magazine is published and distributed on a quarterly basis in Singapore as well as in key cities across Asia-Pacific: Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Sydney, Manila, Beijing and Shanghai.

The magazine reaches High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) across the region looking at buying high-end properties within Asia or in major capital cities worldwide.

Mr. Olivier Burlot, CEO & Publisher at Heart Media, comments: “Over the past three years, Oriental Publishing have built the PALACE media brand in the luxury property and lifestyle media market and have gained the trust of the most discerning & sophisticated readers.

With PALACE magazine joining our Group, we will offer additional integrated and tailored solutions to our clients, with leading marketing capabilities in the print, digital and events environments”.

“Heart Media, as one of the leading magazine publishers in Asia, will continue to seek out new opportunities actively, leveraging on our existing portfolio to better serve our readers and advertisers”.

Mr. Burlot also answered our question about the future of Heart Media:

Is Palace the first magazine in the group to go beyond Singapore and into North Asia and Australia? Or are other Heart titles already in these markets?

“Yes it is the first magazine within Heart Media to have such a regional reach. We believe that HNWI around the region are savvy for high-end property investments in Asia and around the globe.

So, working with likes of Christies and Sothebys Property networks, we will be able to provide our readers with outstanding properties for sale”.  

The press release hints at more acquisitions? Is that the plan? Are markets like Hong Kong and China a logical next step for you?

“Yes Heart Media will continue to expand and we are looking at more acquisitions, in South East Asia as well as in Hong Kong and China. The team at the helm of Heart Media, Julian Peh and myself, have an extensive experience of these markets, so we are on the lookout for interesting acquisition opportunities that will complement and be coherent with our current portfolio of magazines”.

Heart Media, the Singapore-based publisher of magazines such as Men’s Folio, FORM and World of Watches, was acquired by Burlot earlier this year.

www.heart-media.com/magazines

PALACE Covers 2013

Aqua Vitae by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Maison Francis Kurkdjian releases Aqua Vitae scent

Aqua Vitae by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

The acclaimed French perfumer who has been behind some of the noughties’ biggest hit scents has returned with a new scent, titled Aqua Vitae.

Kurkdjian was apparently on Formentera in the Balearic Islands when the idea for his latest fragrance inspired by ‘the water of life’ came to him, describing the finished scent: “like the shiver of pleasure on the back of the neck just before something wonderful occurs.”

Set to drop in August, the masculine fragrance is “carnal by nature and delicate in essence” with a blend of fresh citrus, woody and musky elements.

Calabrese lemons, Sicilian mandarins, and Brazilian tonka beans are all balanced over a guaiac wood base. The eau de toilette spray will be available in two sizes, 200ml (€175) and 70ml (€115).

After creating Jean-Paul Gaultier’s smash hit Le Mâle in 1995, Kurkdjian went on to create fragrances for brands including Dior, Lanvin and Armani and set up his own bespoke perfume house in 2009.

Prada reveals Fall-Winter 2013 film

A new minute-and-a-half long video released Monday by Prada shows off some of the brand’s latest womenswear, soundtracked by the Cocteau Twins’ “Shallow Then Halo.” The girls step into the light to audition to an unseen producer, reading from a script to proclaim: “I am not who you think I am.”

As ever, creative director Miuccia Prada cast plenty of big names in the film, which features nine of the world’s biggest models, including Freja Beha Erichsen, Catherine McNeil and Chinese star Fei Fei Sun.

Prada also likes a multi-tasker. When she’s not modelling for brands like Dior, Proenza Shouler and Lanvin, campaign star (and Prada show-opener) Amanda Murphy works as an X-ray technician.

Fellow Prada model Cameron Russell, who takes center stage in the film, is a Berkeley Economics and Political Science major who has spoken at a TED talk and now works with tech start-ups, while French model Caroline De Maigret has a second career as a music producer.

The brand calls the film, which was shot by famed fashion snapper Steven Meisel, “a dance between reality and fiction,” adding mysteriously that “these women are not who you think they are…”.

Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013 Prada Fall Winter 2013

Virgin Australia introduces loyalty program for pets

Cathay Pacific 747-8f air to air

Virgin Australia has become the latest airline to introduce a scheme that rewards pet lovers for taking their animals on holiday with them.

That means that much-loved family pooches and feline companions who travel with their owners will earn 300 points on the carrier’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program.

The pet loyalty program is the first of its kind in Australia. The airline says it flies about 30,000 pets around the country a year. Points can only be accrued for accompanied pets.

Velocity Frequent Flyer has also launched a ‘cutest baby’ competition in a nationwide search to find an official pet ambassador for the program. Australians are invited to enter their dog or cat in the contest via Facebook. The winner will star in Velocity marketing campaigns and receive a pet gift pack.

dog with suitcase

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai: 10 rooms for just $3

Shangri-La Dubai

Dubai’s Shangri-La hotel is offering guests the chance to book a night in the five-star hotel for Dh10 ($3.00) as part of celebrations to mark the hotel’s tenth anniversary.

The promotional rate will be offered to the first ten guests who reserve a room to stay on July 10 on the hotel’s official website using the special rate code SLDB10ANN.

In addition, children born on July 8, 2003, the hotel’s official opening date, and residing in Dubai may enjoy a complimentary birthday lunch or dinner for a maximum of 10 guests at Dunes Café.

LVMH buys Loro Piana for $2.6 Billion

LORO PIANA

LVMH, the world’s biggest luxury group, on Monday said it had acquired 80 percent of Italian fashion house Loro Piana for 2 billion euros ($2.57 billion).

Founded in 1924 in Quarona, Italy, Loro Piana is one of fashion’s longest and most estabished players, known for luxury knits and furs, and innovative new techniques.

The remaining 20 percent will stay in the hands of the family with brothers Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana continuing to helm the firm.

Alongside their own collections, Loro Piana produces high-end fabrics and knitwear for fashion houses like Brioni and Christophe Lemaire, as well as mid-range retailers like Brooks Brothers.

Gucci creates tour wardrobe for John Legend

John Legend

Frida Giannini, the creative director of Italian luxury label Gucci, has designed on-stage gear for American singer-songwriter John Legend.

Nine-time Grammy award winner John Legend is going on his “Summer Love” tour this July and August, and he’s got a specially designed Gucci wardrobe to celebrate.

Design head Frida Giannini has created a bespoke set of on-stage looks including suede and leather bomber jackets, as well as some classic sartorial suiting for the star. His backing band won’t miss out either: they’ll also be decked out in Gucci gear.

Opening Saturday at the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium, “Summer Love” will take Legend through 19 cities across Europe and Asia, ending with a series of concerts in Japan.

Gucci for John Legend