Argentina

Beatles Museum Opens In Buenos Aires

A passionate Beatles memorabilia collector in Buenos Aires, Argentina who has amassed the one of the world's largest collections is now letting the public enjoy it. Rodrigo Vazquez, who works as an accountant, first fell in love with the Beatles as a child. He now has a treasure trove of more than 8,500 objects including a brick from The Cavern Club, a check for 11 pounds signed by Ringo Starr, records, gadgets, puppets and games, basically everything from mop top wigs to John Lennon condoms.

The Associated Press reports that more than 2,200 of them are on display in the Beatles Museum that just opened this month on Avenue Corrientes. There are other Beatles museums around the world including the one in Liverpool, England, the home of the Fab Four. The museum in Argentina is less of a museum and more of just an incredible collection. The breadth of items on display gives a look at just how pervasive (and marketable) Beatlemania was. Vasquez plans to rotate the objects in the museum so that the public can see them rather than having them tucked away in boxes.

Tags: argentina, beatlemania, beatles, buenos aires, fab bour, rodrigo vazquez

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The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

This season Argentina-based design house Etiqueta Negra, known for its modern take on masculine, equestrian and sporting style, is launching a new men´s collection inspired by one of our favorite things: classic cars. The company's Classic Cars Collection features casual wear such as sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, down vests and leather jackets characterized by clean lines and neutral colors - black, white and dark gray - with a touch of yellow in the detailing designed to evoke traditional motor racing livery. The sporty and sleek pieces range in price from $40 to $1,200 for a leather motorcycle jacket.

"I've had a passion for automobiles since I was a child and am an avid car collector," explains the label's founder Federico Alvarez Castillo. "This appreciation for beautiful cars has played a central role in the design and aesthetic of Etiqueta Negra as a brand from its inception. It was only appropriate to integrate the vehicles into the design of the clothes." Etiqueta Negra, which means "Black Label", is committed to impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics, from Pima cotton to fine denim, cashmere and merino.

They also offer a line of leather shoes designed exclusively for them by Casa Fagliano, the Argentina-based maker of Prince Charles' bespoke polo boots. Prices for the princely footwear begin at $2,500 a pair. Etiqueta Negra also sponsors a polo team in Argentina called Ellerstina, ranked as one of the country's best, which serves as the mascot for its Polo Team Collection comprised of chic sporting classics. Both collections are now available in the company's stores, including the recently opened New York outpost. The stylish spaces (above) are decorated with vintage leather luggage, racing helmets and handmade riding boots set against a background of dark wood paneling, iron beams, black and white photography and vintage-inspired industrial lighting.

Gallery: Etiqueta Negra Classic Cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Argentina, car, classic cars, equestrian, Etiqueta Negra, Ferrari, horses, leather, luggage, Maserati, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, New York, polo, Prince Charles, Sienna Miller, sporting

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Magual Polo Tournament Slated for Argentina

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports

Polo season in the Hamptons may be over and done with, but things are just starting to heat up on the sporting scene in Argentina. From November 27 to December 4 the Magual Polo Tournament will take place at the Magual Polo Club at the height of the country's polo season. Located about 45 minutes outside Buenos Aires, Magual is a vast polo complex with several polo fields and 150 horses. It's run by the Di Paola polo playing dynasty, notably Marcos Di Paola, the oldest of three brothers and an 8-goal player who is ranked in the top 20 worldwide among polo professionals. Marcos is a regular on the annual polo circuit that runs from Argentina to Florida to England, Spain and France, and various North American, South American and European teams are expected to compete in the exciting tournament including the Aventus polo team of the famed Creed fragrance company that we wrote about back in June.

Tags: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Creed, England, equestrian, horses, Magual Polo Club, Polo, south america, sports

Exclusive Polo Excursions at Argentina's Estancia El Venado

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

The luxurious 2,500-acre Estancia El Venado, one of the most historic and beautiful guest ranches in Argentina, is offering an exclusive polo excursion for high-end equestrians who want to brush up on the sport of kings. The luxurious Estancia, founded in the mid-1800s and located about 100 miles south of Buenos Aires, is owned by professional polo player Federico Cendoya, whose family has owned El Vendado for four generations. Cendoya has been training and coaching international polo players ranging beginners to experienced players for over 30 years. Available from mid-April through October, El Venado's polo excursion is an excellent introduction for new players to the sport or an opportunity for experienced players to gain expertise. The package includes stick and ball sessions in the morning and practice chukkers in the evening. During the morning sessions guests will work on horsemanship and swing mechanics, while the practice chukkers focus on rules, game strategy, field positioning – and fun. Surprisingly affordable, rates begin at just $300 per person per night.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Argentina, Buenos Aires, equestrian, Estancia El Venado, horses, polo, sporting

Assouline Launches Luxury Collection Destination Guides

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Holiday Guides, Books

Luxe publisher Assouline has come out with a passport to the prestigious Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts in the form of limited edition set of guidebooks. The Luxury Collection Destination Guides unlocks the charms of six destinations – Italy, Greece, Argentina, India, Spain, and the United States. The Luxury Collection's world-renowned concierges act as your personal guide, offering an insider view of each locale's most unique restaurants, boutiques, and cultural sites. Each book features a passage and recipe from a celebrated chef including Mario Batali for Italy, Francis Mallmann for Argentina, José Andrés for Spain, and Charlie Palmer for the U.S. Curated by Assouline, the collection is beautifully photographed by the Luxury Collection's Global Explorer Andréa Fazzari and packaged in a vintage inspired travel box. The guides will be exclusively offered as a complete set at Assouline Boutiques in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York, as well as www.shopassouline.com and other major retail stores for $140.

Tags: Argentina, Assouline, books, Charlie Palmer, Greece, guidebook, India, Italy, Luxury Collection, Mario Batali, restaurants, Spain, The Luxury Collection, travel

Eating Your Way Through Argentina

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Argentina444 is code for foodies in the know: 4 chefs, 4 cities, 4 seasons. Each season of 2010, one famous chef will accompany 16 people on a culinary expedition of Argentina. The 10-day food-themed tours are first-class in every regard and the prices all-inclusive.

The tours include the country's historical, architectural and cultural highlights but are carefully curated to include a food experience of local market tours and chef's tastings. And each evening, the hosting chef cooks in collaboration with a local top chef.

Why would a chef of Nancy Silverton's caliber and fame agree to be a group leader?

"Argentina is a country I have always been excited to explore," said the founder of La Brea Bakery and co-owner of Mozza. "When I was presented the opportunity to lead a culinary focused tour, it seemed like the perfect way to see Argentina for the first time." Her restaurant Osteria Mozza was nominated as the best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2007 when it opened. It earned a Michelin star in 2008. She has authored seven cookbooks.

Tags: argentina, argentina444, bariloche, buenos aires, cooks tour, food tour, food tourism, nancy silverton

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Markus for Men: Designed Exclusively for Men

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

Should you find yourself in Buenos Aires looking for a spa that caters to gentlemen, look no farther than Markus Day Spa For Men. There, you can chose from an array of treatments for face, body, hair, hands and feet – all of which have earned Markus the title of "El Primer Spa Masculino."

Founded in 2005, Markus was designed to create an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility. Water fountains and fish tanks abound; dim lighting and wood accents pervade the establishment. Check into the Aqua Room and relax with up to eight friends or business partners in a large marble Jacuzzi. Sip tea or champagne while receiving reflexology treatment on your feet. Enjoy the "Adore Me" treatment – three hours of bliss including a face and body scrub, tantric massage, and even a tea serving.

Gallery: Markus for Men

Markus offers more than just relaxation. With a trained medical staff on call, the spa doubles as a tranquil place to receive aesthetic medicine. Botox injections and refill are available on demand, as are peelings, hair implants and plastic surgery. Best of all, the prices are much cheaper than similar procedures stateside.

Outings to Markus can be purchased individually or in bulk. A range of corporate packages are available at discounted rates and include a combination of hair cut, shave, facial and deep tissue massage. Sorry, ladies, Markus is only for caballeros.

Cast your vote for your favorite spa until March 31st. Winners will be announced on April 1.

Tags: argentina, awards-main, best mens spa, buenos aires, luxist-awards, mens spa, spa, spa-main

Small Splurge: Fall Wines Under $25 from Dreyfus Ashby & Co.

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

New York-based Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., a national independent importer and marketer of fine wine and spirits, has put together a list of great fall wines from around the globe, ideal for various cuisines and all priced under $25. France's Château de Campuget "1753" stems from an 18th century document mentioning the historic property. The 100% Syrah is aged in stainless steel, seeing no oak. Deep purple in color, it is elegant and herbal with nice tannin and a crisp finish, paring nicely with spicy foods as well as hearty cold weather dishes like beef and pastas in red sauce. SRP: $14.99. Under the discerning eye of consulting winemaker Véronique Drouhin-Boss, the light, fruity quality of Cloudline Pinot Noir (2007) from Oregon never waivers and pairs perfectly with everything from a fatty fish, such as salmon, to lamb. SRP: $19.99. Nederburg Cabernet Sauvignon (2007) from South Africa is a full-bodied, mouth-filling and rich wine with ripe fruit, delicate spice, firm tannins and a lasting aftertaste, pairing perfectly with robust winter stews, roasts and mature cheeses. SRP: $11.99.

Italy's Renato Ratti Barbera D'Alba Torriglione (2007) is structured and rich with a pleasing and harmonious bouquet. The result is a full- bodied wine with an excellent balance between acidity and tannin that lends itself particularly well to pastas with lean protein, such as pork or chicken. SRP: $18.99. Tedeschi Valpolicella Capitel Dei Nicalò (2006) is made from local Veronese grape varieties including Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara in the traditional style of the region. It is complex and elegant with lively acidity and an alcohol content that is balanced nicely by its tannins. SRP: $17.99. Argentina's Enrique Foster Reserva Malbec (2006) is made of selected grapes from old vines and production is limited to 5,000 lbs per acre. The wine is then aged in French and American oak for 12 months and in bottles for an additional six months. It's a huge wine with fruity aroma and berry
flavors perfectly suited to richly spiced dishes and roasted or grilled meats. SRP: $24.99.

Tags: Argentina, dreyfus ashby co., DreyfusAshbyCo., France, Italy, Oregon, South Africa, SouthAfrica

Etiqueta Negra, Equestrian Style from Argentina

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping, Shoes, Sports, Men's Style

The recently-opened Etiqueta Negra boutique in downtown Manhattan has brought a modern take on masculine, equestrian style all the way from Buenos Aires. The store, which features among other décor elements a 1938 Alfa Romeo racecar (above), carries suits, jackets, jeans and shirts, as well as a line of leather shoes designed exclusively for Etiqueta Negra by Casa Fagliano, the Argentina-based maker of Prince Charles' bespoke polo boots. Prices for the princely footwear, which is not available anywhere else in the U.S., begin at $2,500 a pair. They also carry polo gear as well as women's clothing, though the emphasis is on the menswear.

Related: The Classicist: On Equestrian Style; The Classicist: Exploring the Wide World of Polo

Tags: Alfa Romeo, AlfaRomeo, Argentina, Buenos Aires, BuenosAires, equestrian, Etiqueta Negra, EtiquetaNegra, Manhattan, New York, NewYork, polo, Prince Charles, PrinceCharles, sporting

EXCLUSIVE: Polo Star Nacho Figueras' Ten Essential Luxuries

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Sports, Men's Style, 10 Luxuries

Click above to see Nacho Figueras' 10 Luxuries

Welcome to the second installment of our new feature, "10 Luxuries", wherein a notable figure in the world of luxury, tastemaker or stylish personality tells about the 10 necessary luxuries they simply cannot do without. Related quotes and images of each item can be found in the gallery.

World-class professional polo champion Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras is the face of The World of Polo. Already the face of Polo Black, Nacho was recently chosen to represent all of Ralph Lauren's Polo fragrances, including Polo Modern Reserve and Polo Blue, in print and advertising campaigns because he embodies the many facets of today's modern Polo man. Born in Argentina in 1977, Nacho developed a love for horses and the game of polo by the age of nine. By the time he was 17, Figueras began his professional polo career. Nacho's name has become so synonymous with the sport of polo that the American Museum of Natural History looked to Figueras to donate his polo equipment to their 2008-2009 exhibit, "The Horse", and he has been matched against England's Prince William and Prince Harry in the UK's Sandhurst Tournament.

Figueras, who divides his time between the United States and Argentina, is currently playing for Neil Hirsch's Black Watch Polo team in Bridgehampton, New York in the summer and in Palm Beach, Florida during the winter season. He returns to his ranch in Argentina for the spring and fall. Off the field, Nacho's natural charisma made him the face of Ralph Lauren Black Label clothing and the Polo Black fragrance in 2005. In 2007, Polo Ralph Lauren began sponsoring his Black Watch team and debuted a line of Black Watch clothing. "Nacho personifies The World of Polo by living the lifestyle represented by each of the fragrances," says Guillaume de Lesquen, President, Worldwide, Ralph Lauren Fragrances. "When he isn't playing polo in the world's most prestigious tournaments and promoting its heritage as an ambassador, he is sailing with his young family off the coast of Punta del Este, Uruguay and breeding horses on his ranch outside of Buenos Aires."

Previously: Vertu President Perry Oosting's Ten Essential Luxuries
Related: The Classicist: Exploring the Wide World of Polo

Gallery: Polo Star Nacho Figueras' 10 Luxuries

Art Collection, featuring works by Steven Klein (pictured)

Tags: ad campaign, AdCampaign, Argentina, equestrian, fragrance, Hamptons, horses, model, Nacho Figueras, NachoFigueras, polo, Prince William, PrinceWilliam, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, sporting, UK

Argentina Puts Wine On Ice

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

An Argentine winery is putting the chill on one of their wines . Viña Las Perdices is coming out with Las Perdices Ice, a sweet Malbec from Mendoza. The wine is not a traditional ice wine.. Instead of waiting until the grapes freeze on the vine and then harvesting (the way the wine is made in Canada and certain chilly parts of the U.S.), this wine is made through cryoextraction which involves freezing the grapes with refrigeration and pressing them while they are still frozen. Decanter reports that the wine will be made available in three American states, as well as Brazil and Columbia. For the first two vintages, 10,000 bottles were made.

Source

Tags: argentina, malbec, wine

Small Splurge: More Delicious Summer Wines

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Click Wine Group, a privately held, Seattle-based company that owns and imports wine from around the world, features a great selection of recession-friendly vintages with average prices of between $10 - $13. Their Global Wine Collection consists of signature varietals from world-class appellations with easy to pronounce (and sometimes amusing) names and appealing, consumer friendly packaging aimed at taking the intimidation out of wine. They have something for virtually every palate and summertime occasion.

Fat Bastard Chardonnay:

To craft Fat Bastard Chardonnay, grapes are sourced from all over France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. The golden yellow wine with pale-green tints has expressive stone-fruit aromas with soft floral undertones and well-balanced citrus and acacia notes. Soft oak gives warmth and balance to the palate. Serve with fresh crab or shrimp, or with a roasted pork tenderloin and vegetables. Try also: Rosé.

2 Up Shiraz:

Named for a popular game of chance in Australia, 2 Up is an elegant, intense and exceptional quality Shiraz that is hand-crafted from a blend of grapes carefully selected from highly prized local vineyards. According to Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate, 2 Up represents "the type of wine value that simply can't be found in California." Goes well with Italian dishes, ribs, and grilled meats such as aged beef and lamb.

Root: 1 Cabernet Sauvignon:

Chile is one of the very few grape growing regions in the world where original European rootstocks have survived, producing the intense fruit flavor and authentic varietal character of Root: 1 wines. Rich ruby color with aromas of ripe berries and soft plum are followed by tastes of black cherry, soft vanilla and dark chocolate characterize their Cabernet. Artfully accompanies grilled meats, ripe cheeses, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and chocolate. Try also: Chardonnay.

Tags: Argentina, Australia, Chile, Click Wine Group, ClickWineGroup, France, Germany, Robert Parker, RobertParker, Seattle, smallsplurge, Washington, wine

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Small Splurge: A Selection of Summer Wines

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

In times of prosperity many people like to splurge on fine wine. Discerning drinkers will find however that a tighter budget need not mean sacrificing the pleasures of enjoying the fruit of the vine. New York-based Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., a national independent importer and marketer of fine wines and spirits, has put together a list of six great summer wines from around the globe, ideal for various cuisines and all priced under $20. Here's the rundown:

From Nederburg, the most award-winning name in South African wine, comes Lyric (above left), a new blend of Sauvignon blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Freshly cut grass and green peppers meet aromas of peach and apricot to create a wine that is crisp, fresh and beautifully acidic, perfect for pairing with anything from fresh fruit to seafood. SRP: $10.99

Château de Campuget's Tradition Rosé (center left) is a crisp and fruity rosé wine from the up-and-coming Costières de Nîmes region of France, made using roughly 30% Grenache Noir and 70% Syrah. The color is obtained through a short maceration of two hours which gives it its distinctive shiny hue. Perfect with spicy and ethnic foods. SRP: $10.99

Enrique Foster is a top-flight operation with the objective of producing the best Malbec in Argentina, which is to say the best in the world. Ique (center right) is fresh and young with fruity characteristics and a ruby-red color. Its firm structure and soft tannins make it the perfect counterpart for ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. SRP: $11.99

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is one of our all-time favorite wines. Geisen's bottling (above right) has all the ripe fruit and the crisp, green and lively components associated with the wine, aromatic, flavorful and genuinely refreshing. Perfect with a light fish with a citrusy sauce. SRP: $14.99

Tags: Argentina, Dreyfus Ashby Co., DreyfusAshbyCo., France, New Zealand, NewZealand, Oregon, rose, smallsplurge, South Africa, SouthAfrica

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Swiss Hermit Wins Architecture Prize

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

Peter Zumthor is now $100,000 richer, and you probably have no idea who he is. The reclusive, introverted Swiss architect won the highly coveted Pritzker Prize. Zumthor is well-known in the architecture field – revered, even – but few know of him otherwise.

At first, little on Zumthor's resume. He's built a one-room chapel in a German farm field. A public bath and a handful of museums also bear his visual signature. Of course, an interpretive center at the size of what was once Gestapo headquarters catches a bit of attention, but that's about it. His style is austere, not what usually forces its way into the headlines.

The Pritzker jury chose Zumthor largely because this isn't the best time to reward ostentation. The Swiss architect's approach, which focuses only on the essentials, is effectively calibrated to global sentiment ... and brutal fiscal reality.

Zumthor will receive his gold medallion and check at the grand Legislative Palace of the City Council on May 29, 2009 in Buenos Aires. Look for him on the red carpet ... kidding.

Source

Tags: architect, architects, architectural, architecture, argentina, buenos aires, BuenosAires, pritzker, pritzker prize, pritzkerprize, swiss

The Classicist: Polistas - For Polo Players, By Polo Players

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

Enthusiasm for the noble sport of polo and the luxurious lifestyle it entails has never been more in evidence. It seems the economic downturn has done little to dampen it, perhaps because polo's roots are so steeped in class and tradition. Over the past several months we saw Veuve Clicquot stage the first polo match in New York City in over 70 years; St. Regis inaugurate a major new International Polo Cup; the Snow Polo championships take place in Aspen and St. Moritz; and the first Desert Palm Nations Polo Cup in Dubai. Polo player Johnny Lynn (above) saw it all coming. In 2001 he founded Polistas, the first true polo lifestyle brand, made for polo players by polo players, and now he's opening up branches all over the world.

Lynn, a Canadian-born former financier who plays polo internationally and teaches as well, conceived of Polistas to outfit polo teams with high quality clothing and accessories both for playing in and for après polo. An immediate success, polo and equestrian enthusiasts of all stripes soon gravitated to his flagship store in London's famed Burlington Arcade. The name Polistas is Argentine slang for "polo players" and it is the classic Argentinian polo lifestyle - rugged, laid-back and timeless - that comes through in Polistas' products and attitude. For the past six years Polistas has had a major presence at Harrods and other high-end boutiques worldwide, and has been selected as the official supplier to several major tournaments, including the Veuve Clicquot British Open Gold Cup, The Hildon Queen's Cup, and the Prince of Wales Trophy in the UK.

Gallery: Polistas Polo Style