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The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament: Celebrity, Philanthropy, and the Allure of Shadow Creek

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Charity, Sports

Michael Jordan Golf Tournament

The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by Aria Resort And Casino, was recently held at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas. Luxist attended the event this past weekend and experienced first-hand the unique blend of celebrity and philanthropy. However, this year the event took place at one of the most alluring, mythic, elite golf courses in the U.S., Tom Fazio's Shadow Creek. And for the first time, the course opened to the general public.

A little more on this golf course: unlike many famous courses, this one is hard to imagine, out in the middle of the Nevada desert, and even harder to find. From the Las Vegas strip, it's about a half hour away -- north on I-15 to Craig Road, then go west, then north again, and finally, through some imposing guard gates. And then, there it is, beyond the gates -- the 350-acre, $60 million plus, exceptionally private, painfully green, Tom Fazio course looking more like courses at Pinehurst, or Kiawah, or Augusta. Anywhere, almost, but Nevada.

Shadow Creek boasts quiet streams, rushing brooks, weeping willows, waterfalls, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, and stone bridges that look eerily like the old Swilken bridge at St. Andrews. Indeed, Shadow Creek, has an untouched, impossibly perfect, movie-set look, as if few mortals would ever dare to actually play the course.

For many years, adding to this ineffable allure, is fact: for years, and even now, ONLY MGM Resort guests are permitted to play Shadow Creek. Green fees are listed at $500.00 -- with limo service to and from the course. And the players must schedule tee times at least an hour apart, giving the impression that golfers are on the course by themselves. All of this plays into an image of ultimate elitism combined with escapism, creating a course intrigue that involves rarity, mystery, and sanctuary.

The course's route runs mostly north and south so the sun's glare would miss the golfer's eyes, and Fazio with his builders, dug 50 feet into the low desert to provide for elevation changes and enough dirt to build hills around the entire property to provide another dimension of privacy. One of the stories heard, perhaps apocryphal, was that many who live close to the golf course don't know of its existence.


Tags: celebrity philanthropy, charity, golf, Las Vegas, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, Nevada Cancer Center, Shadow Creek Golf Course, sports

Continue reading “The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament: Celebrity, Philanthropy, and the Allure of Shadow Creek”

Ralph Lauren's Cars, Private Parrot Cay Villa & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part 2

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping, Charity, Celebrity Design

Parrot Cay Villa for auction in Bid to Save the Earth

Last week we reported on the host of international celebrities, creative icons, industry leaders and conservationists joining together with famed auction house Christie's to support the 2011 Green Auction, a momentous live event and companion online auction raising funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet.

Christie's has partnered with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com to put more than 200 coveted auction packages online from now through April 7 to raise funds for Oceana, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and the Central Park Conservancy. Supporters can make a Bid to Save the Earth at www.charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.

A companion invite-only event and live fantasy auction hosted by Seth Meyers will be held at Christie's New York on March 29 in partnership with Vogue's Runway to Green. The event will feature a fashion show sponsored by Tiffany & Co. on the night of the live auction, with designer collection selections available online through Net-A-Porter.com.

In part one of our report on the incredible experiences on offer, we focused on the big ticket items estimated at over $100,000 apiece, including a ride with Harrison Ford on his private plane. Now we're selecting some of our favorite lots across a range of expected prices (N.B.: Lagerfeld and Ducasse are being auctioned off live tonight):


Tags: Alain Ducasse, auctions, bid to save the earth, celebrity auctions, Chanel, charity, Charity Buzz, Christies, christies+bid+to+save+the+earth, christiesbidtosavetheearth, environment, Ferrari, Girard-Perregaux, green+auction, greenauction, Karl Lagerfeld, luxury travel, Paris, Parrot Cay, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren car collection, Robert F. Kennedy, Turks and Caicos

Continue reading “Ralph Lauren's Cars, Private Parrot Cay Villa & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part 2”

International Cosmetics & Perfumes Donates Sales, Totes to Japanese Relief

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Charity

International Cosmetics & Perfumes Hanae Mori Tote BagIn response to the devastation in earthquake, tsunami and now nuclear-ravaged Japan, New York-based International Cosmetics & Perfumes -- home to such brands as Creed and the Japanese inspired Hanae Mori -- has announced an expanding charitable campaign.

Earlier this week, ICP CEO Emmanuel Saujet announced that a portion of proceeds from both the sale of items at Creed's New York boutique and Hanae Mori web sales would go to benefit the American Red Cross' Japanese relief efforts. In addition, a part of future sales of the new Hanae Mori No. 3, available in June from retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Sephora, will also be donated for the same purpose.

The next day, ICP announced that 50 Hanae Mori reusable tote bags, originally intended as an in-store customer appreciation gift, would also be donated to the American Red Cross to assist Japanese displaced from their homes and belongings. And finally today, Creed declared that any winnings from the 2011 season of their official polo team would find their way to the American Red Cross as well.

Japan is a market that has long and enthusiastically embraced luxury goods, so let's hope that more brands follow ICP's lead and give back.


Tags: charity, creed, earthquake, hanae mori, ICP, international cosmetics perfumes, japan, tote bag, tsunami

Hung on U Bags: Model-Designed, Charity-Inclined

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Charity, Celebrity Design

Hung on U Bags: Model-Designed, Charity-Inclined
Supermodel Patti Hansen (Mrs. Keith Richards) and her longtime friend, producer/manager, Molly Madden, loved their matching bags throughout the Studio 54 era. These bags were a part of them having so much fun that they took the idea to designer Debi Koppel, the woman behind DKP Designs, and the three of them collaborated to give these '80s-inspired bags new life as Hung on U bags. The bags are simple yet versatile -- they conform to your body, tie in various knots, and fold for easy travel. The 27-bag collection includes varieties in nylon, denim, glitter (shown), suede, and pony, most in small and large sizes ($35 - $300). Hung on U also does does good while doing well: Proceeds are donated to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation for children's EB, a group of diseases characterized by blister formation after minor trauma to the skin.


Tags: charity, handbag, handbags, Hung on U, models, Patti Hansen, supermodels

Iran's Ahmadinejad Auctioning Off his 1977 Peugeot

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Charity

Iran's Ahmadinejad Auctioning Off his 1977 Peugeot

Looking to get your hands on a presidential ride? Well this might seem like a stretch from the Cadillac which Barack Obama rides around in, but it is presidential nonetheless. A 1977 Peugeot 504, it belongs to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – or to his wife, if you want to get technical about it – but it's about to go up for auction.

The vehicle played a key role in the Persian leader's campaign for the presidency, in which he pledged to create more housing for low-income families in Iran. To that end, he's putting the car up for auction, proceeds benefiting the country's Mehr housing project. Given the notoriety of its owner, this particular example is expected to bring in more than the average '70s Peugeot.

Gallery: Peugeot 504


Source

Tags: 1977 peugeot 504, Ahmadinejad, auction, charity, charity auction, iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, mehr, persia, peugeot, peugeot 504

Kirk Gibson's Artifacts Bring in $1.19 Million at Auction

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions, Charity, Sports

Kirk Gibson's Artifacts Bring in $1.9 Million at Auction
AP reported that a father-son sports collectors team from Santa Barbara bought the bat that Kirk Gibson used for his historic home run in the 1988 World Series for $575,912.40 on November 14 in SCP Auctions' October/November auction, and also took home the four other Gibson artifacts on sale. The bid for Gibson's bat is the second-highest amount paid for a game-used bat, behind only Babe Ruth's signed bat used for the first home run at Yankee Stadium, which SCP sold in 2004 for $1.265 million.

Chad and Doug Dreier of the Dreier Group paid $1.19 million for the five items, which included Gibson's home run bat, his game-worn Los Angeles Dodgers jersey ($303,277.20), batting helmet ($153,388.80), NL Most Valuable Player Award ($110,293.20), and World Series trophy ($45,578.40). Proceeds from the sale of the World Series trophy and MVP award will benefit the Kirk Gibson Foundation to continue Gibson's support of Michigan State University athletic programs and to help fund his partial scholarship programs at Clarkston (Michigan) H.S. and Waterford (Michigan) H.S., in honor of his parents, who were educators at those schools.

Other items that found new homes at the auction are a 1934 Babe Ruth professional-model bat used by Ruth to hit career home run No. 702 ($137,865.60), a Ty Cobb H&B side-written professional model game-used bat ($75,330), and a 1953 Mickey Mantle New York Yankees game-worn, autographed road jersey ($62,256).

Gallery: Kirk Gibson's Artifacts Bring in $1.19 Million at Auction



Tags: auction, baseball, bat, charity, Dodgers, Kirk Gibson, Los Angeles Dodgers, sports

Mini Art Car by Paul Weller

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —



Few names are as synonymous with the Mod Rock lifestyle as Paul Weller and the Mini. The former was part of such bands as "The Jam" and "The Style Council" before going solo, and has now teamed up with Mini to design a special one-of-a-kind hatchback for a charity auction.

The Modfather, as Weller is known, gave the Mini a unique pink-striped paint scheme, and is auctioning it off for the benefit of the War Child and Nordoff Robins charities. Bidding is open for about another month, so if you're interested, follow the link to the auction site to place your bid.

Gallery: Mini art car by Paul "The Modfather" Weller


Source

Tags: charity, charity auction, mini, mini cooper, Nordoff Robins, paul weller, the modfather, war child

Millionth Range Rover Donated to Charity

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Charity



After forty years of production, Land Rover has produced their landmark millionth Range Rover, and is donating it for a charity auction in London. The milestone luxury SUV in question – a top-of-the-line Range Rover Vogue Autobiography edition in black – has a retail value in excess of £85,000.

Celebrity automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson will take possession on the charity's behalf during the Top Gear Live show at Earls Court, after which the vehicle will be put up for auction to benefit wounded soldiers through the Help for Heroes foundation which Clarkson represents and for whom the vehicle is expected to raise in excess of £100,000.


Tags: charity, charity auction, clarkson, help for heroes, jeremy clarkson, land rover, land rover range rover, land rover range rover autobiography, land rover range rover vogue, land rover range rover vogue autobiography, milestone, millionth, range rover, range rover autobiography, range rover vogue, range rover vogue autobiography, solihull, top gear, top gear live

Hublot Is Top Lot In Antiquorum MS Charity Watch Auction

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Charity

A one of a kind Hublot Aero Bang watch recently lead the pack at an Antiquorum auction intended to raise money for the treatment of MS, Specifically to the The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The gold and ceramic Hublot watch has a skeletonized dial and it 44.5mm wide. It was among a number of luxury watches donated to the auction event. While not alone, Hublot has been especially generous over the last few years when it comes to charitable giving - and doing it in unique and fun ways (as opposed to quietly donating money).

At auction, this piece unique watch went away with a winning bid of $23,000. amazingly beating prices received for watches donated by highly respected brands such as A. Lange & Sohne, IWC, and Zenith. You can see the full list of lots and yields here at Antiquorum.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.


Tags: aero bang, antiquorum, auction, charity, hublot, ms

Rosewood Hotels Looks for Worthy Winners in 30 Under 30 Contest

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Charity


The Rosewood collection of leading luxury hotels and resorts is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a cool new contest rewarding those who share the company's core values. Now through November 1 Rosewood is seeking nominations for 30 Under 30, open to young men and women who demonstrate the following traits: mindful of the community, leadership with integrity, passion of conviction, respect and dedication to preserving our natural environment, creativity and strong sense of life balance. To nominate yourself, a friend or colleague, visit www.rosewoodhotels.com/30under30 and submit a brief 250 word statement detailing the nominee's qualifications along with a resumé if possible. 30 finalists will be chosen from among the nominees, who will be revealed online on December 1st. Rosewood will make a $100 donation on behalf of each finalist to the non-profit organization of their choice. Additionally, they will each enjoy a complimentary dinner for two at the Rosewood hotel or resort of their choice. Finally, Rosewood will select one lucky nominee whose life is truly exemplary to receive a $1,000 donation to the non-profit of their choice and a complimentary three-night stay at any Rosewood hotel or resort.

The exclusive Rosewood portfolio includes Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (above) and Rosewood Crescent Hotel in Dallas, The Carlyle Hotel in New York, The Mansion on Peachtree in Atlanta, Rosewood Sand Hill, CordeValle and San Ysidro Ranch in California, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, Las Ventanas al Paraíso and Rosewood Mayakobá in Mexico, and a triumvirate of world-class Caribbean properties – Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, Caneel Bay on St. John and Jumby Bay on Antigua. Rosewood also offers Sense, A Rosewood Spa® - featuring treatments reflective of the brand's signature philosophy A Sense of Place® - available exclusively at select properties. Helping to select the best 30 Under 30 will be a panel of judges including Caroline Rose Hunt, Honorary Chairman of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, John Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Stephen Hunt Sands, Chairman of the Board of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor, Jason Binn, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Niche Media, and Pamela Fiori, Editor-at-Large of Town & Country.

Gallery: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

The Carlyle, New YorkSan Ysidro Ranch, A Rosewood ResortRosewood Little Dix BayRosewood Crescent Hotel, DallasLas Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort


Tags: Atlanta, Carlyle Hotel, charity, contest, Dallas, hotel, luxury hotels, resort, Rosewood, Rosewood Hotels

The Classicist: Win a Private Tour of Ralph Lauren's Car Collection & More

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, Charity, Sports, Big Givers, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping


From now through Oct. 21, Ralph Lauren is auctioning off a number of extraordinary items and experiences to mark the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony, the designer's global initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer. The online auction, the first of its kind for the Pink Pony cause, is being produced in partnership with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz. Highlights of the incredible event include several once-in-a-lifetime forays into the private world of the famed fashion designer and his luxury empire, including classic cars, polo, chauffeured Bentleys, sexy models and shopping sprees. You check out full details and register to place bids at www.charitybuzz.com/RalphLauren; meanwhile, here are The Classicist's top picks:

1. A private tour of Lauren's incredible car collection, estimated at $150,000: You and a friend will be shown the cars, including the ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (above), worth an estimated $40 million, a $28 million Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, McLaren F1LM and more, by Lauren himself at his lavish estate in Bedford, New York. You'll also get a ride in one of these world-class driving machines and take home a signed copy of Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.

2. A weekend at Lauren's private Round Hill Villa in Jamaica, estimated at $150,000: A priceless opportunity to spend four days and three nights for you and up to three guests at the designer's personal Jamaican paradise. The fully staffed villa, which sits on a magnificent, picturesque cliff over the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, has been featured on the covers of House & Garden and Architectural Digest. Enjoy a swim in the villa's infinity pool and private beach access, as well as complimentary tennis lessons and a yoga session.

3. Play polo with Nacho Figueras and stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach, estimated at $15,000: Take a lesson from Nacho Figueras, world class polo player and Ralph Lauren model. You and a guest will refuel afterward during lunch with Nacho, and you'll also spend three nights at the exclusive Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, including a spa treatment for two at the Breakers Spa; a round of golf for two; a $1,000 private shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store at the Breakers; and VIP access to the U.S. Open at the International Polo Club.

4. Front row seats to the Ralph Lauren fashion show and an outfit from the runway, estimated at $25,000: Bring along a friend when you meet the designer and sit in the elite front row at his Fall 2011 Fashion Show in New York. Then, select your favorite look from the runway to add to your own personal collection. Enjoy two nights at a penthouse suite at The Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, including breakfast for two and one signature spa treatments. [continued]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Auction

The designer's Jamaican villaNacho FiguerasRL ad campaignRL Madison AvenueRL restaurant in Paris


Tags: ad campaign, auction, Bedford, Bentley, bespoke, Boris Becker, Bugatti, car collection, Caribbean, Carlyle Hotel, charity, charitybuzz, classic cars, designer, fashion show, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Jamaica, London, mens style, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, Palm Beach, Paris, Pink Pony, polo, Ralph Lauren, Rhinelander Mansion, Setai, tennis, The Breakers, The Savoy, villa, Wimbledon

Continue reading “The Classicist: Win a Private Tour of Ralph Lauren's Car Collection & More”

The Classicist: UK's Elite Meet & Greet at High Net Worth Event

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Events, Charity, Men's Style, The Classicist, Wealth, Architecture & Design


Some of the UK's wealthiest citizens met up recently at Cotswold Airport in the heart of bucolic Gloucestershire to rub elbows while eyeballing the latest in supercars and private jets. The ultra-exclusive Elite 2010 event was organized by Aeronautics Ltd. and the Fine English Company, dedicated to the best in bespoke British luxury. 200 high net worth VIPs were in attendance at the occasion hosted by British Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy. The event benefited Fly2Help, a charity dedicated to helping those who have suffered disaster, difficulty or tragedy by allowing them to experience the fun and love of flying. We got an inside look at the proceedings thanks to Fine English Co. founder Benedict Wormald.

Aeronautics Ltd. are the UK Sales Representative for Hawker Beechcraft and specialize in the sales, acquisition, management and charter brokerage of private jets. Other participating organizations at Elite 2010 included Aston Martin Racing, the famed British marque's motorsports division; Coutts, the legendary private bankers to the Queen of England and the British Royal Family as well as famed figures from the Duke of Wellington, Charles Dickens and Lord Nelson to The Beatles; Von Essen Hotels, the private collection of individual country house hotels in the UK and France which includes the famous Cliveden, once home to an Earl, two Dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor; London's The Nth Degree Club Concierge, whose services include event management, private dining, exclusive chef's tables at top London restaurants and personal shopping; PremiAir Aviation; and Affinity Marketing Group.

Gallery: Elite 2010 UK



Tags: Aston Martin, aviation, Benedict Wormald, bespoke, BMW, British Royal Family, charity, Cliveden, England, events, Ferrari 458 Italia, Fine English Company, Fly2Help, furniture, Gloucestershire, Hawker Beechcraft, helicopter, London, Porsche, private jets, Queen of England, Spitfire, UK, Von Essen Hotels, wealth

Continue reading “The Classicist: UK's Elite Meet & Greet at High Net Worth Event”

Maradona Scores $500,000 For Charity With Hublot

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Hublot's new charity spectacle series involves soccer and "giving." The first such event was held in New York City where members from the UK's Manchester United team attempted to kick soccer balls into small targets (I wrote about that here). The accuracy of the kicks defined the amount of money Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot was to donate to charity.

As the first event was successful enough, Hublot did it again. This time in Moscow, Russia featuring legendary Argentinean 'football' player Diego Maradona. Maradona is a well-known Hublot watch lover, and famously wears a watch on each wrist. Maradona was faced with kicking a soccer ball at 10 targets of various sizes. Each had a dollar amount value, and if Maradona hit all 10 targets, Hublot would donate a full $1,000,000 to the Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Institute for Children Hematology and Transplantation. Maradona nicknamed the event his "Russian Challenge."

Wearing his duo of Hublot watches, Maradona aimed for the targets at a distance of 10 meters in front of a public audience. Maradona raised a total of $500,000 for the children's charity, and hit the smallest of all targets with the ball - which carried a value of $300,000. In celebration of the event and for Russia's Hublot watch fans - Hublot will also release a limited edition watch to commemorate Maradona's "Russian Challenge." It will be known as the Hublot Maradona Gold & Ceramic watch, and will be limited to just 100 pieces. The watch will be in polished red gold with a black ceramic bezel. The dial will be in black, and bear Maradona's signature in a blue. Look for more details on this limited edition piece soon.

The real winners here are the charities that benefit from events like this designed to offer PR pushes to Hublot, as well as the brand's fans who enjoy seeing Hublot active in the media.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.


Tags: charity, hublot, maradona, moscow, russia, watch, watches

World's Most Expensive Whisky to be Auctioned in November

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Auctions, Charity


The world's most expensive bottle of whisky, a one-of-a-kind crystal Lalique decanter holding the oldest and rarest Macallan single malt ever (above), will be auctioned off by Sotheby's in New York on November 15 for an estimated $150,000 or more. The Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue, which we previewed back in April, is filled with 64 years and older Macallan single malt Scotch, vatted together from three sherry seasoned Spanish oak casks. The famed Speyside distillery commissioned the legendary crystal artisan to create the decanter using the ancient "cire perdue" or "lost wax" method. Painstakingly hand crafted by Lalique exclusively for The Macallan, and inspired by the beauty of The Macallan's 150 hectare estate in north-eastern Scotland, it's based upon a ship's decanter of the 1820s. Proceeds from the historic sale will be donated to charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

[via JustLuxe]


Tags: auction, charity, charity: water, crystal, decanter, Lalique, Macallan, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, Sothebys, The Macallan, whisky, worlds most expensive

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