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Luis Barragán's Casa Gilardi: A Modernist Masterpiece Rooted in Color
June 13, 2023 in Design & Décor by Julian Everett
In the heart of Mexico City, amidst a vibrant cityscape, stands a modernist gem from the 1970s that continues to captivate architects and design enthusiasts alike - Casa Gilardi. Designed by Luis Barragán, a leading figure in modernist architecture and the only Mexican to win the Pritzker Prize, the house is a testament to Barragán's innovative approach to space, light, and most notably, color.
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The Night to Remember: Vogue x Luisa Via Roma in Florence
June 16, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair
Florence was buzzing with an unforgettable fashion spectacle last night, as Vogue teamed up with Luisa Via Roma for a one-of-a-kind runway show. Dubbed as the "blockbuster runway", the event brought together a staggering 50 international brands under one open sky - as though the biggest fashion weeks all happened in one day.
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The Exquisite Unveiling of Emporio Armani's New Collection in Milan
June 18, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett
The latest Emporio Armani fashion show in Milan was nothing short of a thrilling spectacle, featuring a stunning array of outfits that perfectly combined the allure of both Asian and European fashion codes. The symbol of this striking collection was the ginkgo leaf, an emblem of strength and longevity, brilliantly adorning silk trousers, shirts, and robes.
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Kiyoshi Awazu's Influence: A Look at Film Quarterly Covers (1968-1972)
June 20, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Charlotte Sinclair
Kiyoshi Awazu, a renowned Japanese designer and artist, left an indelible mark on various forms of visual art, from graphic design to architecture and movie production. One of his noteworthy contributions was his design for the covers of Film Quarterly, a film journal, from 1968 to 1972.
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Courant Sauvage: Luxury Beach Umbrellas for Perfect Summer Aesthetics
June 26, 2023 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair
In recent weeks, Sophisticated Spectra has been filling up with photos of branded beaches with bright sun loungers and umbrellas. The correct and photogenic selection of these items can significantly help a hotel (and, as we now understand, a fashion brand) in promoting on social networks. A good beach umbrella is expensive, and there are luxury players in this genre. One of them is the French manufacturer Courant Sauvage in Landes. The price for their umbrellas in fruit sorbet colors with thick fringe (immediately reminiscent of the luxurious resorts in Slim Aarons' photos) reaches up to €1000. The company works with suppliers of the best materials in their class, many of which are included in the list of France's Living Cultural Heritage. Courant Sauvage also accepts individual orders, although it is worth taking care of this not at the peak of the season.
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The Evolution of the Little Black Dress Explored in a New Exhibition in Edinburgh
July 2, 2023 in Fashion & Style by Julian Everett
The color black, now synonymous with chic sophistication, wasn't always seen in such a fashionable light. Until the fashion revolution sparked by Coco Chanel in 1926 with her iconic little black dress, black attire was primarily worn by servants. Chanel cleverly dubbed this shift "fashionable poverty," creating her stylish black dresses from luxurious silks, forever changing the landscape of fashion.
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Waterless World: An Innovative Approach to the Upcoming Barbie Movie
July 3, 2023 in Photography & Visuals by Charlotte Sinclair
News of the upcoming "Barbie" movie has been making rounds, but one detail stands out - there will be no water. Completely none. And the explanation for it might just be as fascinating as it is poetic.
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New Hotel La Fantaisie in Paris Offers Tranquil Retreat Amid Olympic Rush
May 22, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
If you're planning a trip to Paris this summer, make sure to add La Fantaisie to your list of must-visit places. This new hotel, located in the serene 9th arrondissement, promises a tranquil retreat in the bustling city, especially valuable during the upcoming Olympic Games.
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Hotel du Couvent: A New Gem in Nice's Hospitality Scene
June 10, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
Hotel du Couvent, a prime example of innovative hospitality, is set to open its doors in Nice, housed within a 400-year-old monastery. This new addition is poised to join the ranks of prestigious monastery hotels worldwide and stand out among Nice's luxury accommodations.
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PLAYBOY INTERVIEW: DONALD TRUMP (03/1990)
June 23, 2024 in Arts & Culture by Charlotte Sinclair
A candid conversation with the decades most flamboyant billionaire on deal making, self-promotion, world affairs and how much is enough.
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Via Manzoni, 46: The Address to Remember in Milan
July 12, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
In the heart of Milan, at the corner of Via della Spiga, a 19th-century palace houses a new luxury offering by Rocco Forte. Located at Via Manzoni, 46, these newly opened apartments range from one to three bedrooms and provide a hotel-like service with the added benefit of greater privacy.
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Former Maid Resurrects Abandoned Corsican Hotel, Restoring Its Soul
July 16, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
In a heartwarming tale of restoration and entrepreneurship, a once-glamorous hotel on the southern coast of Corsica has been given a new lease on life by an unlikely duo. The Grand Hôtel des Roches Rouges, which had fallen into disrepair and remained shuttered for two decades, has been lovingly revived by a former maid and her husband.
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Pop-Up Coffee Shop by Ralph Lauren Opens at Paris Bourse Palace During Sports Event
July 26, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
As the next two weeks are set to be all about sports, the content is expected to follow suit. In an exciting development, a pop-up coffee shop by Ralph Lauren has opened its doors at the Paris Bourse Palace, the headquarters of the American sports team. Now, anyone can enjoy a top-quality espresso in this elegant setting. What a sight!
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Fendi Opens Pop-Up Coffee Shop in Marbella’s City Center
July 27, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
The creative team at Fendi is once again making a bold move for luxury resort clients in Marbella. A new pop-up coffee shop has opened in the heart of the city, where guests can reserve a table to enjoy cappuccinos accompanied by branded cookies.
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World's Most Expensive Wine Comes from Spain
July 28, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Charlotte Sinclair
The world's most expensive wine hails from Spain, specifically from the renowned Aurum Red winery located in Las Pedroneras, Cuenca. This exceptional wine can fetch up to 25,000 euros per bottle.
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Cheese from a Small Village in Asturias Becomes the World's Most Expensive
Aug. 27, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
A cheesemaker from a small village in Asturias, Spain, has crafted the world’s most expensive cheese. The 2.5 kg piece of Cabrales cheese was sold at auction for an astonishing €36,000, setting a new Guinness World Record for the highest price paid for cheese at auction. This unique Cabrales cheese is aged for 2-4 months in natural caves with high humidity, where the Penicillium mold develops, giving it its distinctive texture, flavor, and characteristic blue veins. This sale highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and tradition behind this rare delicacy, making it a true treasure in the world of gourmet foods.
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The Iconic Trousers Named After a Hotel
Sept. 3, 2024 in Fashion & Style by Charlotte Sinclair
In the 1930s, renowned couturier Jean Patou found himself regularly escaping to the sun-kissed shores of Mallorca, where he stayed at the luxurious Formentor Hotel. Nestled in a secluded bay near the town of Pollença, this stunning retreat, opened by a wealthy Argentinian just two months before the Great Depression, quickly became the epitome of opulence. With Limoges porcelain, Baccarat crystal, and hand-embroidered linens, the Formentor was a magnet for the world’s elite, even as economic turmoil claimed its owner.
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The Manner: A Bold New SoHo Hotel Redefining Manhattan's Hospitality Scene
Sept. 25, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
The Manner, the latest addition to Manhattan's vibrant SoHo district, is set to transform the traditional hotel experience with its unique approach to hospitality. Emphasizing a club-like atmosphere, bold color schemes, and a homely environment, The Manner stands out in a city renowned for its eclectic accommodations.
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Louis Vuitton and Chef Cyril Lignac Open Café at London Heathrow's Terminal 2
Oct. 14, 2024 in Design & Décor by Charlotte Sinclair
Louis Vuitton has teamed up with celebrated chef Cyril Lignac to open a brand-new luxury café at Terminal 2 of London Heathrow Airport. The sleek and modern establishment adds a touch of sophistication to travelers' experiences, blending fashion and gourmet dining in one of the busiest airports in the world.
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The Plaza Welcomes Its First Four-Legged Guest: The Story of Pinkie-Pankie-Poo
Oct. 23, 2024 in Travel & Destinations by Julian Everett
In 1907, The Plaza Hotel in New York welcomed its first four-legged guest—a nearly blind, toothless 17-year-old Brussels Griffon, reportedly named Pinkie-Pankie-Poo, dressed in a fur coat. The tiny dog belonged to renowned English actress Mrs. Stella Patrick Campbell, who arrived at the hotel with her children, several servants, and about a hundred suitcases. According to ahistoryofdogs, her pet was a gift from King Leopold II of Belgium.
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