Sophisticated Spectra

Chapal and Kelton unveil their joint creation - The 1972 Hand-wound Chronograph

June 30, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

French manufacturers Chapal and Kelton have unveiled a jointly created hand-wound chronograph named 1972. The watch is equipped with the Seagull St 1901 calibre, a movement with an interesting history. In the 1940s, the Swiss company Venus developed calibre 175. However, in the mid-1950s, the equipment was sold to the Chinese, who were keen to produce quality watches for pilots. The Chinese company was named Tianjin Watch Factory, and in 1974 it was renamed Seagull. The majority of their production was quartz mechanisms, but with the resurgence of interest in mechanical watches and their own heritage, the factory revived the Venus 175 calibre, renaming it Seagull St 1901.

Prada Group Revamps Historic Italian Café Principe in Forte dei Marmi

July 9, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

The picturesque Italian resort of Forte dei Marmi welcomes the revitalization of Café Principe, an iconic gathering place dating back to the late 1930s. After extensive restoration by the Prada Group, the café - originally established by the Florentine Galli family - has reopened its doors to locals and tourists alike, offering a stylish refuge inspired by the "dolce vita" era.

The Ongoing Restoration of Versace Designer Ashley Fletcher's 16th Century Italian Villa

July 16, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett

Versace designer, Ashley Fletcher, has been immersed in an ongoing labor of love for the past eight years, intricately restoring his 16th-century villa located in Piedmont, Italy.

Scarlett Johansson Channels Retro Glamour for Prada's Galleria Handbag Campaign

July 16, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

Scarlett Johansson is taking us back in time with the latest Prada campaign for their classic Galleria handbag. Johansson is a vision of vintage glamor, fully embodying the beloved retro aesthetic that is quintessential to the Prada brand.

Become James Bond with the New Playmobil Aston Martin DB5 for Just $55

July 25, 2023 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

Playmobil's New Aston Martin DB5: A Must-Have for Every James Bond Fan

Arnold Schwarzenegger Graces HTSI's August Cover with His Panerai Radiomir Timepiece

Aug. 3, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

Arnold Schwarzenegger is featured on the cover of HTSI's August issue sporting his very own Panerai Radiomir timepiece, a notable addition to his personal watch collection. The timepiece is a special edition from the 2009 "Egyptian" or "Egiziano" series that was created in remembrance of Panerai's historical ties with the Egyptian Navy in the 1950s.

Eva Green: The Quintessential Femme Fatale

Aug. 5, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett

Eva Green, the Parisian-born actress, has been captivating audiences worldwide with her smoky eyes, porcelain skin, and enchanting performances, making her the modern embodiment of the classic film noir femme fatale.

Lili St. Cyr: The Queen of Burlesque

Aug. 24, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Charlotte Sinclair

Lili St. Cyr was a prominent American burlesque stripteaser and actress, born Marie Frances Van Schaack on June 3, 1918, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming one of the highest-paid performers of her time. She was a trailblazer, turning the art of striptease into a more refined and theatrical endeavor. She was often seen as a "classier" alternative to her more flamboyant contemporaries like Gypsy Rose Lee and Sally Rand.

Farralone House: The Iconic Bauhaus Gem with a Star-Studded Past Hits the Market for $16.5 Million

Aug. 27, 2023 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

If walls could talk, the ones at the iconic Farralone House would have stories to tell of Hollywood legends and on-screen performances. Built in 1951 by architect William Pereira for banking heiress Dora Hutchinson, the house is a Bauhaus marvel boasting 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Over the years, it has served as home to Frank Sinatra from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s, Judy Garland, and Lucille Ball.

Tesla Wins Approval for Diner and Movie Theater Complex in Los Angeles

Aug. 28, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

Elon Musk is extending his reach beyond cars, rockets, and social networks by stepping into the hospitality and entertainment sector. Tesla has received the green light from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety to build a 1950s-inspired diner, along with a drive-in theater and an electric vehicle charging station, on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Florence Pugh Dazzles in Valentino and Tiffany & Co. on British Elle Cover

Aug. 30, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett

British actress Florence Pugh graces the cover of British Elle in breathtaking style. She adorns herself in a spectacular outfit by Valentino, complemented by jewelry from Tiffany & Co., elevating the fashion quotient to new heights.

Sophia Loren's Iconic Photo: A Closer Look into the Legendary Snap from 1957

Sept. 21, 2023 in Models & Actresses Photos by Charlotte Sinclair

In honor of Sophia Loren's 89th birthday, it’s time to shed light on the true story behind the iconic 1957 photograph featuring herself and Jayne Mansfield. The snapshot was taken at a party organized by Paramount to honor Loren, who was just 23 years old at the time but had already starred in over 30 films.

20 QUESTIONS: RON HOWARD

Feb. 15, 2024 in Models & Actresses Photos by Charlotte Sinclair

Litle Opie has grown up and become a hotshot film director. Apparently, goin' fishin' with Andy and hanging out with the Fonz paid off. Not to mention an assortment of serious TV-film roles, a lead in "American Graffiti" and an apprenticeship ("Grand Theft Auto") in the Roger Corman school for budding directors. To Ron Howard's recent big-screen credit are "Night Shift" and "Splash." We asked Contributing Editor David Rensin to meet with Howard in Hollywood as he was putting the finishing touches on "Cocoon," just released. Says Rensin, "Ron Howard does not look dumb in a mustache. Aunt Bee would be mighty proud."

Flashback to the Flamboyant '90s: Monica Bellucci at Cannes '97

March 15, 2024 in Models & Actresses Photos by Julian Everett

The '90s were a decade like no other, a time when fashion made bold statements and cinema celebrated them with grandeur. A perfect representation of this era's unique charm is encapsulated in a snapshot from the Cannes Film Festival in May 1997, featuring none other than the Italian siren, Monica Bellucci.

Rediscovering the "Moga" Spirit: The 1929 Guide to Being a Modern Girl

March 18, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

Dive into the roaring '20s with the "Moga" (Modern Girl) lifestyle, as outlined by the 1929 edition of "Women's World" magazine. This fascinating snapshot of cultural history reveals ten rules that defined the essence of an emancipated woman in the vibrant era, much like the flappers in the West. Here's a glimpse into the spirited life of a Moga:

The Magnificent Sammezzano Castle: A Jewel of Tuscan Architecture

March 20, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair

Tucked away in the picturesque Tuscan town of Leccio lies a hidden gem known as Sammezzano Castle. While Leccio is famous for being home to the fashionable outlet The Mall, the true historical treasure of the town lies in the form of this magnificent castle.

The British Style Resurgence: From ‘The Gentlemen’ to Miu Miu’s Latest Show

March 29, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair

In a remarkable fusion of cinema and runway, the recent surge in British style has caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The influence of Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Gentlemen’ and the latest Miu Miu show has sparked a renewed interest in classic British fashion elements, transcending beyond the iconic Barbour jackets and hunting dress codes to embrace a refined aristocratic flair.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: A Colonial Gem in French Indochina

March 31, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett

Certainly! Let me tell you about the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – a magical hotel in Vietnam. 🌟

French Designer Pierre Yovanovitch Teams Up with Christian Louboutin to Launch "Red Bottom" Chair Collection

May 8, 2024 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair

French interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch, in collaboration with famed shoemaker Christian Louboutin, has unveiled a striking new furniture line named "Red Bottom." This limited edition collection comprises nine unique chair models, each drawing inspiration from various domains including 20th-century muses, mythology, pop culture, and cinema.

Pedro Almodóvar Unveils Poster for Venice Film Festival Highlight "The Room Next Door"

Aug. 8, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair

Renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar has shared the official poster for his highly anticipated film "The Room Next Door." Featuring celebrated actors Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton in leading roles, the film marks Almodóvar's first venture into English-language cinema.

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