The Life & Work of the Late Herb Ritts
madonna
Avedon Nude of Stephanie Seymour Expected to Fetch $210,000
A racy nude portrait of supermodel Stephanie Seymour (detail above) taken by the late, great Richard Avedon in 1992 is expected to fetch up to $210,000 at Sotheby's' Photographies sale in Paris on November 19. Part of a private European collection, the image will bolster the strength of the photography market if it achieves its price. Though most of the lots date from the early 1900s, the stunning sale also includes an Albert Watson portrait of Naomi Campbell from 1989 and a David LaChapelle portait of Andy Warhol from 1987 taken shortly before the artist's death, both estimated at up to $21,000; and a Herb Ritts portrait of Madonna from 1986, expected to fetch up to $10,000. Notable works by Irving Penn, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and more round out the offerings.
Madonna Plans Chain of Gyms Worldwide
Filed under: Celebrity Design
In recent years Madonna has become famous for her biceps and now she's turning her penchant for fitness into yet another empire. Madonna in partnership with her manager Guy Oseary and New Evolution Ventures (NEV) has announced the establishment of Hard Candy Fitness global gyms. The first in the chain named after one of Madonna's albums will open in Mexico City in mid November. Madonna will visit the gym on the November 29 for the official launch.Madonna's plans for her line of gyms crystallized after discussions with Mark Mastrov, the innovator behind 24 Hour Fitness and Guy Oseary early in 2008. Mastrov, his partner Jim Rowley of NEV, Craig Pepin-Donat, the Vice President of Marketing and Development, along with Madonna and Oseary, are now in the planning stages of opening 10 more locations in Russia, Brazil, Argentina and throughout Europe and Asia.
"Our goal is to create an environment inspired by Madonna's vision and high standards of what the ideal gym would be. Hard Candy Fitness will be a reflection of Madonna's point of view and will reflect her input on every detail including music space, light and other design cues. Madonna's touch will be everywhere," stated NEV Chairman Mark Mastrov.
Hard Candy fitness will have cardiovascular machines, strength equipment and free weights. The gyms will offer private training as well as classes in Zumba and cardio kickboxing and new classes created just for Hard Candy Fitness. The fitness center will also include a bike studio, and a "mind body studio" featuring the Great Wall where members can practice bar works, capoeira or yoga. Gyms will also have a juice bar/cafe and locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms.
[via Gawker]
The Hotel Concierge: How to Get the Best Experience
Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Services
One of the most valuable amenities offered by luxury hotels the world over is also one of the most under-used: the concierge. Sure, lots of people stop at that little desk in the lobby and ask for directions or a restaurant recommendation, but few take advantage of the full spectrum of what a good concierge can offer. Here are a few tips making the most of the experience.Choose the Right Hotel
No matter how awesome a concierge may be they can still be limited by the name they represent. The better the hotel the more effective your concierge will be at getting you impossible to land show seats or last minute reservations at the new hot spot because being an insider will only get them so far -- when push comes to shove the concierge that works for the more prestigious hotel (and therefore sends the bigger spenders) will always be the vendor's favorite. In a round-about way you get what you pay for.
Call Ahead
Before your trip even starts call ahead and share your itinerary. Concierge's are local so they can give you a heads up on any particulars about the area and help fine tune your plans in ways a regular assistant can't -- like letting you know about opportunities that require advance planning or giving you ideas for filling in free time. Calling ahead can also qualify you for special deals and discounts in some cases, and at the very least it will give the concierge a leg up on securing tough reservations.
Armani Beats Gates and Abramovich to Buy $190 Million Greek Island
Legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has reportedly become the proud owner of one of the world's most beautiful and expensive private islands – Skorpios (above). In closing the deal, said to be worth about $190 million according to reports in the European press, the designer faced stiff competition from rival bidders including Bill Gates, Roman Abramovich and Madonna. Located in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of Greece, the island formerly belonged to famed Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis and was the site of his wedding to Jackie Kennedy in 1968. It was sold to Armani by his granddaughter and heiress, Athina Onassis Roussel. There is a lavish villa on the island known as the Pink House which Onassis built for Jackie, along with tennis courts and plush gardens, though most of the island remains undeveloped and pristinely beautiful.
The Fashion Statement: Lanvin at H&M!
Filed under: The Fashion Statement
I can see the lines snaking around the block now! H&M confirmed it: Men and women will be able to get themselves some Lanvin at about 200 H&M stores on Nov. 23, according to Women's Wear Daily.
Word broke yesterday that the sizzling hot Paris label may be collaborating with cheap chic retailer H&M. Fashion industry bible WWD reported that the Swedish retailer was expected to announce plans with Lanvin and its creative director Alber Elbaz within the coming week.
Upon hearing the news yesterday, the fashion blogs went nuts, writing things like "Yes, Please!" and "Cross your fingers." Even a few well-heeled ladies I talked to vowed they would pick up a piece or ten from the capsule collection.
To wet our appetites, H&M has been posting 23-second highly stylized black and white videos on Facebook and Youtube. Quotes from a mystery designer comes through the mouths of male and female actors captured in flashing images that show everything but an actual face. Initially, the rumor mill focused on Tomas Maier of Bottega Venetta and Carolina Herrera as possible originators of the quotes. Then, WWD wrote yesterday: "While the camera never lingers on the faces long enough for recognition in the clips, the voice-over of designer musings, while electronically altered, are unmistakable Elbaz-isms."
Koffmann's Opens at London's Luxe Berkeley Hotel
Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels
The Berkeley (above), London's luxurious and beloved five-star Knightsbridge hotel, has just opened Koffmann's, a new restaurant from legendary French chef Pierre Koffmann. Overlooking Hyde Park, the historic hotel has long been the destination of choice for stylish travelers including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell. Chef Koffmann, whose name has been synonymous with some of the UK's finest French cuisine for over 35 years, counts Gordon Ramsay among his protegés. The opening of Koffmann's marks the chef's return to The Berkeley, where he was at the helm of the celebrated La Tante Claire until its closing in 2003. The Koffmann's menu features several of the chef's signature items, such as a braised pig's trotter with morels, which guests may recognize from La Tante Claire, but on the whole Koffmann has moved into a more relaxed, informal style while still embracing his classic, provincial, French culinary roots. The menu offers hearty, robust, seasonal dishes, many influenced by his Gascon heritage, which can be enjoyed seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.
Jay-Z and Beyonce Charter $40 Milllion Superyacht
Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Celebrity Shopping
Add another famous couple to The Classicist's list of superstars (including Madonna and Brangelina) sunning themselves on superyachts this summer: Jay-Z and Beyoncé. R&B's royal couple have been cruising on the French Riviera on a $40 million superyacht, the London Daily Mail reports. The pair, who earned an estimated $150 million between them last year, are chartering the 180-ft. Altitude (above), built by Italy's Benetti yachts in 2003, for $370,000 a week. The yacht can accommodate 14 guests in 6 cabins. The vast split-level owner's apartment has his and hers white marble bathrooms, a separate study and a private 180º raised observation lounge with spectacular views forward. A sun deck features a huge spa pool complete with wetbar and a well equipped gymnasium. The yacht is also available for sale at about $40 million.
Vegas Deal Will Make Madonna a Billionaire
Filed under: Wealth
Madonna is poised to become a billionaire thanks to an offer of a five-year performing residency in Las Vegas. The deal, valued at $1 billion, is being brokered by Las Vegas officials looking to give the beleaguered town a boost and restore its tourist traffic, the London Sun reports, and would likely involve appearances at more than one glitzy casino. The arrangement is similar to ones that Celine Dion, Elton John and Cher have had in the past though much more lucrative. Madonna, who is already the fourth highest earning female entertainer in the world, would join Oprah on the very short list of celebrity female billionaires if she decides to sign on the dotted line. The megabucks payment would totally eclipse her previous earnings; in 2007, she signed a ten-year contract worth a measly $125 million with promoter Live Nation.
The Classicist: The Summer of Superstars Borrowing Superyachts
Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Celebrity Shopping, The Classicist, Wealth
The other day we reported that Madonna has borrowed Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's brand new superyacht, the 377-ft. Luna, while filming the new Duke of WIndsor movie she's directing in the South of France. The yacht is fitted out with two helicopter pads, a covered pool, spa, medical center, hot tub and 40 staff, including butlers and a macrobiotic chef. The middle-aged Material Girl isn't the only celeb cadging a ride on a pal's superyacht this summer, however – everyone from Brad and Angelina to the Beckhams are living it up on the high seas, though some stars are actually paying their way. Here's the full rundown on the famous folk's nautical hijinks:
1. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: the world's most famous movie star couple have borrowed Johnny Depp's classic yacht, the 156-ft. Vajoliroja (above), which as we noted in April is available for charter at $130,000 per week, JustLuxe reports. The mahogany paneled craft features accommodations for 10 guests and a crew of 8, a formal dining room, library, plush salon and outdoor seating and eating areas, all decorated in Depp's signature version of Art Deco Paris meets the Orient Express.
2. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham: Posh and Becks have borrowed their pal designer Roberto Cavalli's iridescent 133-ft. yacht, the RC, which features a leopardskin interior, 15 bedrooms, a gym, whirlpool spa and locker full of fur coats for when the weather turns cool. Supposedly Cavalli only allows clothes he designed to be worn onboard.
3. Simon Cowell: The TV star is one of the few celebs footing the bill for his fun, having shelled out a whopping $975,000 per week to charter the 196-ft. Slipstream. The 12-berth yacht boasts sumptuous leather sofas, mirrors above a giant waterbed, a Jacuzzi, an observation lounge with panoramic views, gym, a sky lounge with a retractable roof and a crew of 14 including a private chef.
4. Paris Hilton: The world's biggest party girl is kicking back on Microsoft magnate Paul Allen's 300-ft. pleasure craft the Tatoosh, which as we recently reported has been put up for sale at $160 million. The yacht, which has a pool, hot tub, cinema, basketball court, recording studio, spa, massage room, gym, games room and helicopter pad, comes with a crew of 30. "The best summer of my life," Paris recently tweeted about the trip. "Our yacht is incredible! I'm in heaven on the water. Definitely the biggest and best yacht everywhere we go. Love it! Huge!" [continued]
Madonna Borrows Abramovich's New Yacht to Film Duke of Windsor Flick
Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth
Aging pop chameleon Madonna has borrowed Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich's brand new superyacht while filming W.E., the new Duke of WIndsor movie she's directing in the South of France. No, not the gargantuan Eclipse – we're talking about the 377-ft. Luna (above), the world's largest expedition yacht which Abramovich just took delivery of in April. The luxurious yacht provides convenient accommodation for Madonna as she films the movie's beach scenes, London's Daily Mail reports. Each day she returns via tender to the luxe yacht which features two helipads, a swimming pool, games room and sunbathing areas, along with a beach club leading down to a swim platform. Abramovich, who generously lent Madonna the ship, apparently bought the yacht to tide him over while the Eclipse is being completed; afterward it will act as a support vessel for the megayacht.
The Fashion Statement: It Bags are Back to Basic
Filed under: Handbags, The Fashion Statement
Toss your roomy totes, slim clutches and bohemian bags with hardware and fringe to the back of the closet.
The It bags for fall are small and basic; ladylike, almost to the point of prim; and minimalist. Square-shaped or rectangular, the handbags often have long shoulder straps and feature a very simple fold-over envelope style flap with a simple clasp. Color schemes are fairly basic, too, with most in solid brown and tan leather and black.
These bags resemble the "pocket books" you once plucked from your mother's or grandmother's closet to play dress-up. They are ultra understated and have a conservative '80s power suit feel. With long shoulder straps the bags rest at the hip.
Hermès has resurrected the Constance, a model with an H clasp that can be worn over the shoulder or messenger style.
Phoebe Philo introduced Celine's Classic Box, a small bag with compartments, closed by a square gold clasp. The fashion flock has been seen with the bag in black, brown and red leather.
Ralph Lauren has one in shiny brown croc with a gleaming round gold clasp. Fendi has also brought back a classic: the Logo Square bag emblazoned with Fs.
Marilyn Monroe's Famous Pink Gown Up For Auction
Filed under: Apparel, Auctions
Although she's been gone for over 40 years, the price Marilyn Monroe collectibles still attest to power of her legend. The pink satin gown she wore in the Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend sequence in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is up for sale as part of the Profiles in History's auction on June 10-12, 2010. The gown was worn by Marilyn as the gold-digging Lorelei Lee in the scene which was later copied by Madonna for her "Material Girl" video. The dress by designer William Travilla is estimated at $150,000-$250,000 but could go higher. The famous beaded gown she wore to sing Happy Birthday for John F. Kennedy went for $1,267,500 at auction at Christie's in 1999.
Other pieces up for auction include the The Wicked Witch of the West's Hat from "The Wizard of Oz" estimated at $100,000-$150,000; Darth Vader's light saber from "Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi" estimated at $60,000-$80,000 and Michael Keaton's Batsuit from "Batman Returns" estimated at $30,000-$50,000. The third day of the auction is devoted to Star Trek collectibles.
[via Art Daily]
Cruise Like Madonna & Harrison Ford Aboard the Mariner III
Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing, Celebrity Shopping
Last month we told you about Johnny Depp's yacht being offered for charter this summer. If the $130,000 per week he's charging seems a bit steep, you can still cruise like a celebrity aboard the classic Mariner III (above) for a fraction of that price. The stylish 122-ft. fantail motor yacht, built in 1926, appealed to Harrison Ford so much that he used the craft as his personal quarters for three-and-a-half months while filming a movie in the Caribbean. Other stars who have chartered the classic cruiser include Madonna, Kate Winslet, Robert DeNiro, Bruce Willis and Brooke Shields, and she's also played host to several fashion shoots including the Victoria's Secret catalog. Now docked at New York City's Chelsea Piers in the summer months and the Palm Beach Yacht Club in winter, she's available for charter in New England, Southern Florida and the Caribbean at $30,000 a week. With rich varnished teak, gleaming brass, and hand crafted beveled lead crystal windows from Paris adorning the luxe interior, the yacht features seven staterooms plus quarters for a crew of six.
[via JustLuxe]
Laura Mercier: Celebrity-Inspired Luxury Cosmetics
Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance
Laura Mercier is the cosmetic, bath and body and fragrance collection by French-born makeup artist Laura Mercier, and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Cosmetics Line.
Laura Mercier began her career as a painter, but soon began painting with cosmetics as a personal makeup artist to celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, and Juliette Binoche. She gained notoriety early on for her artist's eye and her ability to accentuate a person's natural beauty.
She moved to New York in 1985 to launch American Elle, where she worked on advertising campaigns for all the best retailers and expanded her portfolio to include a vast array of publications. After working with Elizabeth Arden and Chanel, she moved on to personal clients, including collaborating with Madonna for her print, TV and film looks. In 1996, she developed Laura Mercier Cosmetics, based on the idea that there should be a classic, always-current look unaffected by season. The products were created specifically to meet the needs of her clients, including their skin types and color preferences.
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