Prindiville, the UK based cutting edge coach-builder is presenting its new J Concept for Lamborghini Aventador. Only 8 examples in the all world so a very exclusive edition.
6.5 L
V12
805 hp
0 to 100km = 2,5 seconds
350Km/h max (220mph)
Carbon fiber panels for extra-light weight
5 inch LCD TV screen
DVD player
Satellite navigation with most famous race circuits around the globe
Sound system up to 1000-watt power
To improve performance and handling, the Prindville J Concept would be significantly lighter and agile due to many original panels being replaced in carbon fibre.
The original 6,5L engine was remapped to bring you from 700 to 805 hp. The 15% power increase comes courtesy of a bespoke twin Prindiville titanium or stainless steel exhaust system.
The interior panels and air vents of the Aventador J are presented in a high- grade precision milled aluminium, whilst the renowned Prindiville insignia has been etched into the jet black driver and passenger seats which are dressed with the finest Italian leather and alcantara. These can be matched individually to the chosen exterior color, either matt or metallic.
Check here a mood video about the new project with exclusive images:
Check the company official website for more details:
The american architecture cabinet Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill presented this month the plans for a magnificient double towers called Dancing Dragons. They will be placed in the business district of Yongsan International in Seoul – South Korea.
Dancing Dragons are a pair of landmark supertall mixed-use towers for the new Yongsan International Business District in Seoul, South Korea. The buildings, which include residential, “officetel” and retail elements, consist of slender, sharply angled mini-towers cantilevered around a central core. The design aesthetic is highly contemporary yet informed by aspects of traditional Korean culture.
The mini-towers feature a dramatic series of diagonal massing cuts that create living spaces that float beyond the structure. This recalls the eaves of traditional Korean pagodas–a design theme echoed both in the geometry of the building skin and the jutting canopies at the towers’ base. The theme is extended in the building skin, which suggests the scales of fish and Korean mythical creatures such as dragons, which seem to dance around the core–hence the project’s name. (Yongsan, the name of the overall development, means “Dragon Hill” in Korean.)
Dancing Dragons’ scale-like skin is also a performative element. Gaps between its overlapping panels feature operable 600-mm vents through which air can circulate, making the skin “breathable” like that of certain animals. Towers 1 and 2–about 450 meters and 390 meters tall, respectively–share an architectural language and, therefore, a close family resemblance, but are not identical. In the taller structure, the 88-level Tower 1, the massing cuts at the top and bottom of the mini-towers are V-shaped. In the 77-level Tower 2, the cuts move diagonally in a single unbroken line; they are also arranged in a radial pattern around the core that is perceptible as viewers move around the tower.
n both buildings, the mini-tower cuts are clad in glass at the top and bottom, making for dramatic skylights above the units at the highest levels and a transparent floor beneath the units at the lowest levels. This offers the opportunity for special high-value penthouse duplex units with spectacular 360-degree views of downtown Seoul and the adjacent Han River, along with an abundance of natural light.
We can see that the 21st century becomes a free area for Architects to bring to live impressive projects that blend wellness, business, design and style together.
info sourced at official press release of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill on http://smithgill.com. All images are copyrighted with no reproduction rights available.
Alien is a quadrilogy very successful that started in 1979 with a first movie directed by Ridley Scott. More than 30 years after, Ridley Scott comes back with a Prequel that is already iconic.
There is a huge buzz in the web about it. The casting is outstanding. Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace and Idris Elba.
Here is the official trailer. Still 26 days to come…
Ronald Fallon is one of the great names in photography during the 60’s. He introduced the legend of Marianne Faithfull as the symbol of a new youth. He is our photographer of the month. He is the photographer of the month at luxuryactivist.com.
The 60’s represented a renew in the fashion photography. After all the classicism of the 50’s, this new decade inspired us with a “boutique spirit”. In deed, the ready-to-wear style was predominant on the 60’s, showing much more the energy and the sexyness of that time. We think about photographers like Richard Avedon or David Bailey but Ronald Fallon is also one of the top hit photographers. He basically captured the essence of the sixties with his camera.
This period was also called the “Swinging London”. It was a youth-oriented phenomenon that emphasised the new and modern. It was a period of optimism and hedonism, and a cultural revolution. One catalyst was the recovery of the British economy after post-World War II austerity which lasted through much of the 1950s.
After a summer holidays in the south of France when he decided to become a photographer, Ronald Falloon, get a position of apprentice at John French, famous for his fashion portraits in the 50’s. By this start, Ronald Falloon started his job in the crowded and effervescent London where his camera came across the air of times. He photographed the most it-people from Twiggy to the Rolling Stones up to a young Marianne Faithfull.
If we did not hear much about him, it is probably that his work basically covered just one decade. After a photography contract in Canada mid-sixties, when Ronald Falloon came back, he discovered a different London. According to Mr. Falloon himself: “When I came back the 60s were nearly over and the look was much more dour and hard-edged“.
So the fun was over. He steps backs from the spotlights and became artists agent and antiques dealer. Here is a video based on a londonian retrospective happened a couple of years ago:
The website vintageseekers.com proposes an interesting collection of some of the most iconic photographs of Ronald Falloon. Below, my preferred pictures of Ronald Falloon with some comments.
1967 – Twiggy in White Mac
Here we can see the model Twiggy wearing a white Valspar mac raincoat. The photography was taken at the model’s apartment.
1964 Models in Courrèges.
In this photography we can see 3 models wearing Courrèges outfits with chinoiserie hair style.
Early 1960’s Model in Courrèges Coat and boots.
1965 Marie Lise Gres wearing cutlery jewellery.
1967 Model in a Mary Quant Suit
Mary Quant was a british designer who brought fun and fantasy to fashion in the 1960s. As creator of the mini skirt and hot pants, she showed a generation how to dress to please themselves. Her instant success made traditionally cautious designers change their attitudes and make their designs appeal to the newly important youth market.
1962 Jean Shrimpton wearing Susan Small dress.
Jean Shrimpton was considered the first world top models in history and she represented the “Swinging London”. She made covers for all top magazines for more than one decade (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, etc…).
In 2012, year in which London will be highlighted by the Olympics and the Jubilee of the Queen, it is great to review images from Swinging London.
rock’it.
LA
info sourced at vintage seekers website, wikipedia and telegraph uk. All images copyrighted with no reproduction rights available.
Zadig & Voltaire, the french fashion Brand is launching in this beginning of the year a new fragrance duo called Zadig & Voltaire Tome 1 La Pureté for Her and for Him. I got the opportunity to review the masculine version.
The Brand was created in 1995 by Mr. Thierry Gillier, grand-son of André Gillier (co-founder of Lacoste). The Brand name, Zadig & Voltaire, is inspired by the Novel “Zadig, or The Book of Fate” written in 1747 by the french philosopher Voltaire. The main character of the novel inspired Mr. Gillier because of his charisma, modernity and bravery. The fashion Brand has products for women but also for men and even a children line.
Zadig & Voltaire is well known for its cachemire with rock skulls in brodery, their tshirts and the mythic Touly bag. The creative universe of the Brand is quite broad as they have a Music label (collaborations with Daft Punk producers) and on mobile telephone accessories (in a partnership with Samsung).
In 2009, the Brand launched its new first fragrance, called Tome 1. It was done “inhouse” and it represented an unisex fragrance. By getting the complexity of the fragrance market. We remember Sephora having some doubts about the interest of the project, Zadig & Voltaire decided in 2010 to sign a development and distribution contract with Clarins Fragrance Group. They can then benefit from a high professional team for product development but also (and above all) of a Clarins distribution.
Now, with this new Duo, the Brand stays loyal to it’s rock & roll attitude with style. In deed the two fragrances have the “Angel-rock” symbol on the flacons and the advertising is also on this direction.
On the ad, we discover Poppy Delevigne, the it-girl of the moment and world known surfer Chris Del Moro. The theme presented is a vision of a white paradise in which the 2 characters play a modern version of Adam and Eve. Paradise is there but sin is not that far from this innocent sexyness. Are they the symbol of perfect creation or fallen-angels? We never know with Zadig & Voltaire. And that is precisely what we like! I could not find who was the photographer of this campaign but if someone has the information, please just add a comment here below. thanks! Here a video about the making-off.
There are 2 fragrances, one for women (the white flacon) and one for men (the grey flacon). I got the chance to review the masculine fragrance. So check here below.
The first thing we can see on this creation is the original packaging. Loyal to the inspirational origins of the brand’s name, here Tome 1 is a book! Or a fragrance packaging in a shape of a book. It is elegant, original and minimalist in a way. The carton used looks recycled and the inks from vegetal origin. The book concept is played at all levels as we can see in the pictures here below.
The flacon has a dark grey mate finish, done by the outside which gives a nice “soft-touch” feeling. The cap is metallic, simple with the initials Z and V on it embossed on the metal itself. Simple, discreet and well done. In one side we can see the famous Brand logo with the Angel surrounded by a crown of spines. On the other side we can read the name of the fragrance.
The fragrance now. What stroke me as a first impression was this kind of milky-powdery-wood note. Masculine yet soft. Interesting. I found the fragrance quite coherent with the concept overall. It is more a “smell” than a normal fragrance. We can see the “parti-pris” of the creation as we do not really have a traditional structure. I, personally missed the head notes. The brand talks about Orange flower that I find quite discreet. It brings a kind of cleanliness on top that makes it comfortable and yes, masculine. For me it is really the wood accord of Patchouli, Sandalwood and lactonic woods that makes the interest of it. The fragrance is elegant and clear.
I am not sure that this is going to be a big hit as it is definitely not following any mainstream trend. The Brand is quite confidential, very parisian oriented or fashion world oriented. But it is interesting to see how strong the Brand identity is.
So if you want to learn more, do not hesitate to check the brand official website and eshop:
http://www.zadig-et-voltaire.com/eu/fr/eshop-parfum.html
Each time Shakira reveals a new video it is a full event. Here is the full video of her latest song “Addicted to you”. It is always very sexy, latino’s style.
It is the 5th single from her latest album Sale el Sol. The video was directed by Anthony Mandler. He did almost all videos for Rihanna, so he is used to highlight sensuality ! Check here the video:
Info sourced at artist official website and Youtube channel. All images are copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. technorati code: X2PDZGMEVVW9
Victorinox, the makers of the original Swiss Army Knife, just revealed their new online concept for the website. It is a new Brand interface with the goal to bring a more emotional experience. Based on true stories received throughout the years from customers, the Swiss Brand is capitalizing on these amazing storytelling. Called “Victorinox Stories”, the new website proposes a diving-experience into each story.
In 2012, Victorinox will communicate more about the company values, its products and the Brand strong promise: Companion for Life. According to Mr. Carl Elsener, CEO of Victorinox, it is not the story of the company that turned Victorinox products as Icons, it is about the stories that customers experienced in which products played a vital role: stories about memorable moments of adventure and expeditions on earth, in the sky, and in space. Dramatic stories in which Victorinox products contributed to solutions and saved lives. Even stories of prominent encounters where Victorinox knives opened doors, helping to create ties between politicians, opinion leaders and nations. Victorinox has more than a century of success based on the best products of their category in the world.
In the website; So basically, you can choose your story, click on “Experience the story” and follow a great voice and animation that guides you throughout the narration. It is by far one of the most emotional experiences I saw in a company’s website. It is very beautiful and design oriented. The pictures were taken in the precise place in which the story took place. So authenticity is key. See here some screen shots from the story called THE RESCUE.
Each story ends with a nice conclusion. We can see the signature and the name of the person who wrote the story (and was the main hero too).
Then, one of the cool features is that you can also share your own story thanks to a Victorinox exclusive App. This app can be found either on the website or on the company international Facebook page. You can share your story or/and read other people’s stories about their favorite Victorinox product.
On the website itself, the product part was also revamped in order to blend to the new design. More features are coming and especially a local advertising roll-out.
For now only the english and the german version of the new interface is implemented but other languages will follow during the month of May.
Victorinox worked things out with their global web agency Sapient Nitro, one of the top web agencies in the world.
Elīna Garanča is back! After a break for personal reasons (She got a lovely little girl -congratulations) she is back and for her return, she is performing at one of the most elegant and mythic places – Vienna – during this Spring.
From May 17th to May 27th she will perfom the role of Sesto in Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” at the Vienna State Opera. La Clemenza di Tito, in english the Clemency of Titus, is an Opera Seria in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In July 1791, the last year of his life, Mozart was already well advanced in writing The Magic Flute when he was asked to compose an opera seria.
Elīna Garanča performs the role of Sesto, a young patrician, friend of Tito, and in love of Vitellia (daughter of deposed Emperor Vitellio). Vitellia wants to get Tito, the emperor, killed as a revenge plan. She uses her influence on Sesto, Tito’s closest friend, to get him doing the job. Sesto gets into a delicate decision because he needs to choose between her beloved and his friend. It is a great role for an Opera singer. The first time this Opera Seria was played in 1791 by Castrato Soprano Domenico Bedini. Elīna Garanča is a mezzo-soprano, which makes an interesting historical vocal reference back to Domenico Bedini.
It is not the first time that she sings this play. See here:
Also, check here her interpretation of the Parto – one of the most popular arias in Opera:
In May, La Clemenza di Tito will take place in Vienna State Opera in Austria. It is beautiful Opera house built in 1869 in the elegant city center of Vienna. The Wiener Staatsoper is one of the busiest opera houses in the world producing 50 to 60 operas per year in approximately 200 performances. It is quite common to find a different opera being produced each day of a week.
Here is Ms.Elīna Garanča program for the incoming dates:
May 17, 21, 24, 27 – Sesto in Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito”, Vienna State Opera, Austria
June 1 – Sesto in Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito”, Vienna State Opera, Austria
June 4 – Liederabend, Teatro alla Scala, Milano, Italy
June 7 – Gala Concert, Berlin Philharmonie, Germany
June 12 – Gala Concert, Gasteig, Munchen, Germany
July 3 – Concert, Stadttheater Ingolstadt, Germany
July 7 – Gala Concert, “Klassik am See 2012” in Losheim am See, Germany
July 11 – Concert “Garanca and Friends”, Gottweig, Austria
July 12 – Concert “Garanca and Friends”, Linz, Austria
July 25 – Liederabend, Nationaltheater Munchen, Germany
July 28 – Liederabend Salzburger Festspiele, Austria
Jelmoli is a luxury Department store in Zurich, Switzerland and probably one of the oldest in the world. Their Claim: The house of Brands.
During the Sisley event last week for the launch of their new flagship counter at Jelmoli, I was happy to get back one more time to this nice Department store. In Switzerland is by far the most upscaled Big Department store. Manor, Globus and Bon Genie are far behind.
The Store itself is a true piece of Swiss history. The original store was founded in 1833 by Johann Peter Jelmoli Ciolina. At that time it was a fashion shop placed in the Schipfe, Zurich’s oldest continually inhabited district, on the Limmat River. Jelmoli was really a pioneer in terms of store because if we compare with other world famous Department stores (in terms of foundation dates):
Le Bon Marche: 1838
Harrod’s: 1849
Bloomingdale’s: 1860
Printemps: 1865
Les Galeries Lafayette: 1895
Sak’s 5th Avenue: 1924
Only Takashimaya Tokyo was founded in an earlier time (1829).
Jelmoli got a tremendous success almost since the beginning thanks to a very modern and avant-garde concept of “fixed-prices”. In deed, while in all stores in Switzerland, prices were not displayed, which means variable; Jelmoli played the transparent card by displaying fixed prices. But then: “no more bargain!”
With its immediate success, the company started growing very fast and soon the project of building a beautiful bigger store in the centre of Zurich became a true project.
The new building was completed in 1898 and it was built as a Glass Palace. Installed in the famous and prestigious address of Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, it was and still is a reference in luxury and lifestyle.
Several years after, we can say that Jelmoli is one of the most modern, high-class Department stores in Europe. With its 8 floors, it gathers a collection of more than 2 million articles and covers more than 1,000 brands.
Something that not many people know is that Jelmoli has a catalog by mail sales since 1897. Today, they have a modern version of the famous catalog, a dedicated e-shop called http://www.jelmoli-shop.ch
In the store itself, they have some interesting services as a personal shopping advisor team. Ms Rowena Downing welcome you (with appointment) in a special lounge dedicated to your personal choices.
Need a personal advice? You can get all the information here:
Jelmoli Personal Shopping Service.
Another last interesting thing about Jelmoli is that they have a blog called Spotted. It is a great source of what is hot right now or in the incoming weeks. Hot Brands, hit products are all there. Just take a tour and get informed about the must haves of the moment. Just click on the image below and get access to the blog.
If you want to learn more about this amazing place, please visit the official website:
Last night, I was kindly invited by Sisley to attend to the opening of their first beauty flagship counter in Switzerland. It is placed in the beauty area of the prestigious luxury department store Jelmoli in Zürich. By far one of the most elegant Department stores in Switzerland, Jelmoli out stands for the location, the brands and the high qualitative service provided. I will definitely make an article about them soon.
2012 is an interesting year for the french beauty brand Sisley. In deed not only the latest launches are really outstanding, their efforts to complete the lines portfolio are paying but they wish to continuously build the brand into a timeless future. Switzerland is a tuff market for beauty products because it is at the same time a small market but with high-end customers. And the expectancy is really high too. Sisley is the perfect brand which can really get an outstanding position in Switzerland as well in Europe.
The revealed counter is part of a all Sisley original concept of Flagship counter. In Europe there are only 3 counters following these guidelines in terms of space, furniture and placement. They choose the best places for high qualitative traffic. The event itself was a great success, a lot of beauty and beautiful people ;-). People from the press and also bloggers. Sandra from Sandra’s Closet was there in a amazing outfit. People from Jelmoli of course, responsibles for the Beauty section and Marketing-PR.
According to Ms Sonja Glavas, Marketing & PR Manager at Sisley, the idea behind is to allow people to come and to feel comfortable to test the products, to get a good advice and to find the perfect product for their needs. And one of the master piece of this counter is the Cosmetic bar, placed in the center of the space and allowing people from a 360 degrees approach to test different products, classified by theme.
Also other key elements are the following:
The Make-up Bar
Very modern, the make-up place is presenting all different collections and customers can easily try the products either directly on it or on the right side, there is a nice mirror with a chair and different tools to apply all products. All materials used are highly qualitative and the design is as modern as functional. Very elegant.
The Fragrance bar
What a pleasure to re-discover the giant editions for Soir de Lune and Eau du Soir. The main fragrances of the brand is present, so customers can try all of them and benefit of a perfect advice from the beauty advisor.
One important merchandising element is the impressive pillar full dedicated for Sisley with a giant lightbox. It welcomes the customer at the arrival of the Corner but you can see it from the Department store entrance. Visibility = maximum. Depending on the product launches and season, Sisley will change the visual in the lightbox, which will provide a different look.
Ms Rosemarie Haber, General Manager of Sisley Switzerland, explained to me that the aim of Sisley with such a beautiful space is to be in an exceptional place and to establish the brand where she should always be – at top level position within the Beauty area. It is the translation of Sisley’s ambition as main player on the beauty market.
As often, they could not let us go without a nice “souvenir” from this great evening. I felt again, very lucky.
We also got a magazine in which there is a very interesting article about Ms Isabelle d’Ornano.
So what can we say more? All the best for Sisley in this new adventure. Do not hesitate to check the brand official website to get more information about the products. www.sisley-cosmetics.com
