60 years in a throne needs celebration. In deed our dear Queen Elisabeth will celebrate 60 years of reign next year, which we called Diamond Jubilee. On the 6th February 1952, Queen Elisabeth the II, took the throne of the seven countries of the Commonwealth after her father died, King George VI. Only Queen Victoria, in 1897, is thus far the only monarch in the histories of Britain and a few other commonwealth countries members to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee.
Following the tradition of past jubilees, a Diamond Jubilee medal will be issued in various countries. Here above, the canadian medal. A 300$ in pure gold with a real diamond inserted on the gold mass. We can also see Queen Elisabeth with an elegant, delicate and firm gesture from her hand. Very Royal! So it will be a great year for the United Kingdom as they also have the Olympic games.
On this occasion, several books will tell the Queen story and I picked up one that seems very interesting in terms of content, writing style and interest. It is called Elisabeth the Queen, The life of a modern monarch.
The book is written by New York Times bestselling author Sally Bedell Smith. She spent her early career working at Time magazine, TV Guide, and The New York Times. She won the Sigma Delta Chi Distinguished Service Award in 1982, and became a fellow at the Freedom Forum Media Studies Center in 1986. In 1996, Smith joined Vanity Fair as contributing editor, where she remains as of October 2009. She is also the author of 3 interesting books:
Diana in Search of Herself: Portrait of a Troubled Princess (1999)
Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House (2004)
For Love of Politics: Bill and Hillary Clinton in the White House (2007)
About the new book, we discover Queen Elisabeth’s life. From the moment of her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen Elizabeth II has been the object of unparalleled scrutiny. But through the fog of glamour and gossip, how well do we really know the world’s most famous monarch? Drawing on numerous interviews and never-before-revealed documents, acclaimed biographer Sally Bedell Smith pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and private lives of Queen Elizabeth II, who has led her country and Commonwealth through the wars and upheavals of the last sixty years with unparalleled composure, intelligence, and grace.
So many years of an amazing life deserves a lot of pages, so here it is a big book, 688 pages and will be available from the 10th of January 2012.
If you wish to buy this book, you can already pre-oder it here below:
For the US, click here.
For Europe and the rest of the world, click here.
Definitely the perfect book companion for traveling. LA
info sourced on Barnes&Nobles, Wikipedia and Amazon. All images copyrighted, no rights for reproduction allowed without further authorization.
Jaquet Droz is one of the most confidential, yet brilliant Manufacture horlogère from Switzerland. With the launch of their 2011 Tourbillon, here are some clues to decode this prestigious House, part of the Swatch Group since 2001.
This year, the Swiss Timepieces industry shows a great growth. No “time for crisis”. Here some interesting key figures YTD October 2011.
– 16,8 Billion CHF Export sales (already the level of 2010)
– October 2011 = 1,87 billion CHF (which is +18,6% vs october 2010) and 2,8 million Timepieces exported (+4,7% vs oct2010).
– The entire industry should end up the year >17 Billion CHF, the record level of 2008.
– Mouvements exports also grows by 9% in volume vs YTDOCT 2010.
With such a great health, the Swiss watchmaking is one of the leading luxury industries in the world, together with high-jewelry. And when we talk about luxury timepieces, we need to talk about Jaquet Droz.
Jaquet Droz is one of the most elegant, luxury and confidential Timepieces houses in Switzerland. You need to be an expert and passionate to have heard about it.
After his studies in University, Pierre Jaquet Droz founded his first watchmaking workshop in la Chaux-de-fond in 1738. Until 1791, the Jaquet Droz Family builds the foundation of what will become a multi-century business. Since 2001, the prestigious brand belongs to The Swatch group that started an international roll-out yet on the respect of the Brand heritage.
In 2009, Mr. Nicolas G.Hayek takes over the reins of the Brand, supported by a board and in 2010 they install themselves in their new headquarters, called “Atelier de Haute Horlogerie”.
In order to better understand the brand, we need to analyze the different aesthetic codes that makes Jaquet Droz so unique.
CODE #1: The Grande Seconde, “its elegance is a promise of eternity”.
On a single dial, the hours and minutes counter, off-centered at 12 o’clock, embraces the seconds counter, situated at 6 o’clock, with echoes of Avant-Garde poetry, aesthetics at the very core of the identity of Jaquet Droz. From the 18th century to the third millennium, the Grande Seconde has been the eternal source of inspiration for the Manufacture of La Chaux-de-Fonds: a timeless icon in extremely exclusive interpretations which evolve with time and with each new collection.
CODE #2: The 8, “Representing infinity and eternity”.
Formed by two subdials on the watch face, this symbol suggests the rarity of limited editions and exclusive models produced in small numbers. Manufacture’s most distinctive and magical numerological references. Jaquet Droz subdials play with Arabic and Roman numerals, treating each passing moment as unique. In other words, they offer a new perception of Time.
CODE #3: The Grand Feu, “Once a piece is finished, it is inalterable”.
Grand Feu enameling is one of the expert techniques that constitute the signature of a Jaquet Droz watch. Combining traditional production methods with latest-generation technology, the dial-makers at Jaquet Droz have kept up with the latest developments in timepieces and the technical constraints that they involve. Relying on the subtle interaction of ultra-fine powders and precision kilns, our dial-makers are the sole guardians of the formula that yields these magnificent dials, whose color and graining are absolutely unique.
CODE #4: The Watch case, “a treasure chest full of mechanical wonders”.
Handsomely curved and perfectly sized, it was carefully conceived to contain remarkable movements. This design expresses choices, desires and yearnings in the strength of steel, the majestic gleam of white or red gold, the unalterable elegance of the ceramic material, or the lightness of the titanium. Each one undergoes no fewer than 80 different operations. That’s why Jaquet Droz prizes the hands of its master craftsmen above any manufacturing tool.
CODE #5: The Mouvements, “cutting-edge watchmaking technology”.
Jaquet Droz mechanical self-winding and manually wound movements are all engraved with a clover, the secret signature of the founder of the Manufacture. The bridges and plates are adorned with Côtes de Genève ribbing, while the luxurious sunray motif on the oscilling body is visible through the transparent case back: a sunburst or spiral motif for classic timepieces or those with complications, hollowed out for sports watches.
CODE #6: The Complications, “the pride of their possessors”.
Jaquet Droz specialized from the start in ultra-luxurious timepieces that featured musical mechanisms, automata or Grand Complications. This precious sunburst harbors sophisticated complications: tourbillon, minute repeater, equation of time, perpetual calendar, jumping hour or chronograph. Time does not express itself in one dimension alone. This inspired Jaquet Droz to focus on all of the codes connected with its plurality, from the retrograde date hand to the indication of moon phases.
CODE #7: The Numerus Clausus, “real luxury is rare”.
With its one-of-a-kind creations and its Numerus Clausus editions limited to 8, 28 or 88 pieces, Jaquet Droz also masters the art of exclusivity. This is truly the world of Haute Horlogerie, an eternal quest for elegance and technical perfection.
CODE #8: The Minerals, “treasures drawn from the depths”.
These dials offer the poetry of meteorites crossing galaxies, the geometry of rutilated inclusions in quartz, the mystery of onyx, aventurine, spectrolite, pietersite….Minerals are like the memory of the Earth and our galaxy. Whether they come from deep within the earth or the far reaches of space, they transform each watch dial into a fabulous journey through the infinity of time.
Finally, here is a beautiful video about Jaquet Droz, a nice journey into the Brand’s story. Check it out:
When uniqueness becomes an Art, Time seems eternal. LA
Info sourced at www.jaquet-droz.com, Businessmontresenvideo and FB official fan page.
This month Bentley motors announced the launch of its new Continental GT V8. A pure adrenaline car with the british elegance touch. They just revealed a new video showing a very interesting story-telling around this new beauty.
In the Automobile industry some names are associated to history and some of them become legends. Bentley Motors Limited is a British manufacturer of automobiles founded on 18 January 1919 by Walter Owen Bentley (known as W.O. Bentley or just “W.O.”). Bentley had been previously known for his range of aero-engines in World War I, the most famous being the Bentley BR1 as used in later versions of the Sopwith Camel. Since 1998, the company has been owned by theVolkswagen Group of Germany. The firm is based in Crewe, England with their Central Production Facilities being based there.
The new GT V8 is as powerful as elegant. The clues are there. The dark mesh radiator grille, ringed by bright metal. The aggressive lower bumper with its three air intakes. The dark rear valance, with its twin exhaust tailpipes shaped into an elongated, side-on figure eight. And one further small, but significant detail: a red enamel Bentley winged ‘B’. These are the tell-tale signs of an all-new Bentley, powered by a 4.0 litre V8 engine.
From the distinctive backbeat of its eight cylinders at idling speed to the glorious snarl of full-throttle acceleration, the new V8 offers an exhilarating, involving and passionate route to Bentley Continental ownership. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission transmit its power to the road with unshakable precision. This is a Bentley that can both stir the soul or calm the spirit, according to the mood of the driver or the conditions.
In terms of performance:
– 4.0 litre V8 engine
– A massive 660 Newton metres of torque at the comparatively low engine speed of 1700rpm.
– 60 miles an hour in just 4.6 seconds.
– 188mph (303 km/h).
– 8 speed transmission and accounts for 6% of the total 40% efficiency gain achieved by the new V8.
– Real time monitoring of tyre pressures.
– 8 sound speakers system with 15GB of storage for music, iPod, MP3, 6 disc CD charger and SD card.
– Navigation system with online access points, 30GB disc drive + Satellite landscape imagery.
– Touch screen with finger zoom in and zoom out.
– Bluetooth connection for phones or Sim Card insertion.
Check here the beautiful emotional video. A brilliant imagery for automobile passionate people.
This month, Yves Saint Laurent Parfums launched the new TV advertising for its incredible fragrance for women, OPIUM.
It is by far the most elegant, luxury, divine, amazing and incredible high-class Tv Ad that came across my eyes and my ears on the past 2 years…. minimum!
The Ad features british actress Emily Blunt, best known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Young Victoria, and The Adjustment Bureau. She has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, two London Film Critics’ Circle Awards, and one BAFTA Award. She won a Golden Globe Award for her work in the BBC television drama Gideon’s Daughter.
The print ad here above was shot by Patrick Demarchelier. We can see an amazing Emily Blunt with magnetic eyes. You could give your soul to the Devil for her… Beautiful.
Ok, back to the Tv Ad. The film is totally on the path of sulfurous and subversive Saint Laurent style. In an intense play role with a panther, Emily Blunt walks dressed in an amazing elegant YSL outfit. The soundtrack is just sublime. It is the Lacrimosa of Mozart. For those who knows his Requiem, The Lacrimosa is part of the Dies Irae sequence in the Requiem mass.
The film was directed by Romain Gavras, french cinema director (Sheitan). His films and music videos are often portrayed in a gritty and realistic manner as well as using flashing images. I think here, Yves Saint Laurent creates one of the best advertising campaigns for Opium since years. Mr Saint Laurent would be proud.
India, as many “In-development” countries represents a huge potential for luxury brands.
Check this video from ETNow TV about the importance of luxury Brands in India, especially among Men.
Here we can see interesting luxury people like Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry in how she managed to highlight Burberry among Indian people and especially Men. Also, he can listen to Joshua Schulman, CEO of Jimmy Choo explaining the indian men taste:
” a blend of english elegance with italian style… all with a James Bond touch…”
After China, should luxury brands invest in India?
LA
Info sourced on Youtube at ETNOW official channel.
Today the high-tech sound company Harman announced a global collaboration with the world megastar Jennifer Lopez with a new campaign entitled “Beautiful Sound”.
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.
Harman Kardon has everything of a true elegant and luxury experience. Perfect design, high performant materials, reliability and timeless lifestyle attitude. I have my HK670 for years and it fits perfectly the living room.
Now, with the “Beautiful Sound” campaign, Harman is getting to the next level as a luxury lifestyle brand. Sound systems are often presented as a technical object and we forget that these beautiful objects stands in the middle of our living rooms, so they are part of our way of living. With this new campaign, Jennifer Lopez represents the glamourous guide to help us understanding the sound art played by Harman Kardon.
“We have found a perfect fit in megastar Jennifer Lopez to be a global ambassador for Harman Kardon’s Beautiful Sound message,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of HARMAN. “She personifies beauty, elegance, and style, and consistently delivers outstanding musical performances. The Harman Kardon name is synonymous with incredible sound and attractive design, and we are delighted that Ms. Lopez will help us share that message.”The campaign supports the presentation of HK BDS sound system. The new BDS series provides uncompromised performance, studio surround sound and enchanting visuals without all the clutter of components and cables. One sleek, space–saving design system (a compact receiver with an integrated 3–D Blu–ray/DVD/CD player and FM tuner), easily controlled with a single remote. From 3–D Hollywood blockbusters to digital files playable through the built–in Blu–ray Disc player and the USB port – the BDS reads a wide range of digital entertainment sources, including 3–D Blu–ray Disc, DVD, CD–R and MP3 formats, even iPod/iPhone content through the separately available The Bridge IIIP dock. It also has an intuitive on–screen menu to make setting up and using the system easy – even for novices. What’s more, its high–tech HDMI Audio Return Channel feature simplifies the delivery of sound from your TV to the speakers.
Here is a video presenting the new sound system:
And here the beautiful advertising movie starring Jennifer Lopez:
The film was directed by Martin Campbell. He is known by his sense of staging and showmanship. He was the director of 2 James Bond, Golden Eye and Casino Royal, but also the Zorro saga with Antonio Banderas and recently Green Lantern. With such spectacular director, you can imagine that this movie ad is definitely “rocking the house”. 🙂
Jennifer Lopez appears here in a very edgy and elegant outfit, the make up is perfect and the special effects are breath taking.
The agreement with Ms. Lopez continues a year of notable artist signings for HARMAN. Earlier, it launched the “Hear the Truth” brand campaign for JBL, with ads featuring Maroon 5 and international superstar AR Rahman. Additional prominent artist agreements will be announced in 2012.
Harman Kardon spices up the Sound system market. Convinced?
LA
Info sourced at Harman Kardon Press Release, harmankardon.com, youtube. All images are copyrighted and no reproduction is allowed without further authorization.
The Swiss brand Victorinox launched a new collection of cutting edge luggage called the Spectra collection. One of the most light-weight yet resistant luggage collection in the market.
When I decided to buy a new luggage for my Asian travel this month, I looked around and try to find the best equation between Quality, Design, functionality and innovation. Not an easy choice as most of the time, we think that the heaviest and the ugliest the better for a strong luggage. Well, the Travelgear industry is a very competitive market and light-weight and reliability are keywords for the today’s traveler. I compared 4 brands: Samsonite, Tumi, Delsey and Victorinox.
What were my needs?
– Stylish and elegant
– Light-weight
– Strong (I wanted to invest for the next 10 years)
– 4 wheels (trust me when you get use to it, you cannot live without)
– Black or Grey color.
My choice went to the new Victorinox Spectra collection. And as I was traveling for at least 10 days to Asia, I bought the 29″ one in Black. According to my own check list, it has the perfect combination.
Size: 46w x 75h x 27d cm or 18.2″w x 29.7″h x 10.6″d
Weight: 3.9 Kg or 8.7 lb
Comfort grip, one-touch, dual-trolley aluminum handle system
8-wheel construction adds stability, providing 360° maneuverability and producing zero weight-in-hand when rolling upright
Zippered mesh divider wall stretches for easy packing
Y-shaped compression straps cover a greater surface area to keep folded items secure
Top and side haul handles for easy carrying
Integrated Travel Sentry® Approved lock allows U.S. TSA screeners to open the lock without destroying it, and relock it after inspection
Swiss Tracker™ Bag Tracking Program will reunite you with your bag anywhere in the world should it ever be lost – for free
The Access™ Lock Combination Recovery Program allows you to register your lock combination on victorinox.com and recover it if it is ever forgotten
Removable ID tag for security and convenience
Covered by the Travel Gear Lifetime Warranty (and this is just amazing)
So, while I was packing, I got the idea to follow my new luggage path all along the way from Zürich to Singapore, then to Shanghai and finally back to Zürich. This would represent a life-test of my new purchase and I was hoping that the result would be great. And I can tell you that I am quite impressed. Check it out.
LAUSANNE, 12.NOVEMBER 2011 – 13:35
As we can see, it really looks outstanding. I felt quite excited to travel with such piece of Swiss-inspired engineering and design.
TRAIN LAUSANNE TO ZÜRICH AIRPORT, 12.NOVEMBER 2011 14:30
Taking the train with this light-weight luggage was a piece of cake. I could easily find my way to the train, get in and find a nice place for it as it is also very compact. I started then having the first people looking at it (felt proud).
ZÜRICH AIRPORT, 12.DECEMBER 2011 17:30
Here I am at the Lufthansa check in desk. 26Kg. According to my experience with my old luggage, I should have had at least 30Kg according to all the items I had with me. So I can see that with the Victorinox Spectra I can have as much as items I am use to but in a more compact and lighter option. Bye, bye, see you in Singapore.
SINGAPORE AIRPORT, 13.NOVEMBER 2011 19:00
Here I am, 12 hours later in Singapore Airport. I was happy to see my new Spectra arriving safe. Everything looked well. Singapore here I come.
SINGAPORE CARLTON HOTEL, 13.NOVEMBER 20:30
I got an interesting comment from the groom who brought my luggage to my bedroom. He said I had a very nice luggage as it was easy to handle and looked cool. I stayed almost a week in Singapore. I love this place. So “Fifth Element style”.
SINGAPORE AIRPORT, 17.NOVEMBER 2011 14:30
Here I am litteraly sliding with my Spectra 29″ towards Singapore Airline desk to check in my luggage to Shanghai. I was definitely comfortable thanks to the eight wheels and their 360 degrees handling.
SHANGHAI AIRPORT, 17.DECEMBER 22:30
After 5 hours of a very pleasant flight, here I am in Shanghai Airport. It is already late and luckly my luggage arrived among the first ones. So far so good, everything is fine. Taxi and check in at the Sheraton Shanghai near Xianxia Road.
SHERATON HOTEL, 18.DECEMBER 2011 08:40
In Shanghai I had a meeting with the Shanghai Fashion Institute and I brought some important items for them. I was happily surprised to see how well protected they were inside the Victorinox Spectra. I could then do my meeting without problems. Shanghai is an amazing city that makes you feel that other cities like New york or Paris belong to the past… really.
SHANGHAI AIRPORT, 20.NOVEMBER 2011 07:45
After a couple of great days in Shanghai, here I am in a sunday early in the morning at Shanghai Airport to check in my Victorinox Spectra at the Swiss desk, destination: back home. Strangely I had 28Kg. I am always surprised to see how heavier your luggage gets on the return way to home 🙂
ZÜRICH AIRPORT, 20.NOVEMBER 15:20
After 12 hours flight here I am back to Switzerland. I must confess that I was so tired that I slept 10 hours!! I love Swiss Business class seats 🙂 I recovered my luggage perfectly transported. So last step: the train back to Lausanne.
TRAIN ZÜRICH AIRPORT LAUSANNE, 16:10
On my way back home, I had 2 hour train to Lausanne. As you can see in the picture here above, the Victorinox Spectra fits in every compartment. It was the first time I could place my 10 days travel gear up there!!!
In conclusion, I really recommend the new Victorinox Spectra collection. If you are looking for a great Travel gear in which you can find different needs, you definitely need to check this collection. The brand made a very cool video about this new product. It could be a new Apple or Sony product. Check it here:
Born in Switzerland in 1984, Céline Alexis Buehrer is a contemporary jewels and sets creator, all hand made by herself. She presents now a beautiful, slightly poetic collection of different sets made from craft techniques called I MADE IT FOR YOU.
2007, after a second year at Haute Ecole d’Art and Design in Geneva, she has a first experience in Montreal and in Paris for Anne Valérie Hash. After her diploma, she wins the prestigious Federal Swiss prize for Design with a set collection called “MY WIFE IS BIG MARY”. Since then, she has developed different lines but above all taylor-made works for special orders.
Now she presents her new collection called I MADE IT FOR YOU. It is all about a certain idea of Back to luxury basics. Hand-made, she masters crafted techniques and traditional know-hows at the service of a Taylor-made approach.
These works are based on a search around the theme: The Parure. The usage of feathers, hooks, embroideries and laces, brings a delicate emotion on these special sets. Between the organic and the mineral, Ms Buehrer explorers a romantic and story-telling universe. Between pieces of art and edgy fashion accessories, Alexis Buehrer represents a true alternative to traditional luxury brands in terms of accessories.
Here are some of my preferred images from her new collection.
I really find very original the way the sets are presented. We see a strong authenticity and truth emanating for her work.
If you need further information, do not hesitate to connect to the designer official website: www.alexisbuehrer.com . You can ask for the price of special orders. If you want to find a point of sales in which you would find these products, check the following stores:
Atelier b.
5758, Boulevard St-Laurent
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
So, let true poetry enter into your life and feel yourself wrapped in a timeless elegancy, at the same time delicate and strong.
LA
info sourced on www.alexisbuehrer.com , Facebook.com and on Press File. All images are copyrighted. Any reproduction without further notice should be forbidden.
On the 26th of november, at mor.charpentier gallery in Paris, a new exhibition starts. It is called THE RIOT ACT.
Last summer, London experienced urban riots that generated a negative feeling. Young people feel there is no future and it is an entire generation that is at stake. All systems, political, social, economical are blocked and people are looking desperately to escape from that situation.
Here is a strong video, from the BBC, in which the broadcaster Darkus Howe, express an intense emotion, reflecting the inconvenient feeling of the situation.
Inspired by this situation, mor.charpentier gallery presents from the 26th november 2011 until the 11th january 2012, an interesting exhibition called The Riot Act.
Each artistic work blends ideas of intimacy and universality. All works represent a chapter of this manifest built around the turkish artist Inci Eviner. 4 more artists join Inci Eviner in order to translate this violent theme into a artistic exercise.
Cevdet Erek, born in 1974, lives and works in Istanbul. His work “Untitled” was presented at the 12th Istanbul Biennial in 2011. An architect by training and graduated in studies in music, Cevdet place the concepts of time and space, ascompared to the socio-political climate in the heart of his work.
Argianos Athanasios, born in 1976 in Athens, lives and works in London. He was present at the 3rd Biennial of Contemporary Art of Thessaloniki, “Art Now Live ‘at Tate Britain in London as well as participating in” Art Nova “at the 2010 Art Basel Miami.
Deniz Gül, born in 1982, lives and works in Istanbul. She recently opened her first solo exhibition in Istanbul Contemporary Art Center ARTER with the work “5Bufet person.”
January Freuchen, born in 1979, lives and works in Oslo. During his last solo exhibition, “Heterotopia” he presented works mainly composed of materials archived and film images.
« The Riot Act »
26th November 2011 – 11th January 2012
galerie mor · charpentier
8, rue Saint-Claude
75003 Paris
France
T +(33) 0 1 44 54 01 58
Sometimes, society holds together for small things and sometimes it blows.
LA
The designer brand of the month is Bib&Sola. They launched an exquisite collection of Murano glass carafe and glass sets called The Marta Collection.
“Water is life. It’s the briny broth of our origins, the pounding circulatory system of the world. We stake our civilizations on the coasts and mighty rivers. Our deepest dread is the threat of having too little –or too much.” –BARBARA KINGSOLVER
Bib & Sola is the creative vision of contemporary lifestyle designer Kira Heuer, who has drawn on her International background in Art, Fashion and Media industries combined with her passion for sustainable living have seamlessly synthesized to produce an exquisite collection of Murano glass carafe and glass sets – bringing to life a new concept of drinking.
Founded in 2011, the name Bib & Sola derives from Latin meaning ʻdrinkʼ and ʻcomfortʼ and represents all that is valuable, remarkable and bespoke.
Check here a short interview of Kira Heuer, made by Diana Verde Nieto of Positive Luxury.
Inspired by the effortless composure of women water bearers throughout the world, the collection is at once striking and evocative. Additionally, a percentage of all proceeds from each sale going directly to The One Foundationʼs development of pump water systems in rural Malawi, Africa. With the pumps revolutionizing the lives of children and families, each sale of a Bib & Sola piece makes a tangible difference. Made with the intention of searching for a reusable alternative to excessively wasteful plastic water bottles, the carafes are the start of a journey to empower those who live without basic access to water.
Available in eight colors, the carafes can be purchased in both intimate sets (consisting of one carafe, and one glass) and social sets (consisting of one carafe, and six glasses). Each set is hand-blown in Venice by local artisans using natural colour pigments, creating a unique touch to each piece.
Kira Heuer – the Creative mind and Founder of Bib&Sola.
Growing up in Southern California by the ocean, Kiraʼs relationship with water began at a very early age. From morning surf sessions before school to summers in the sand, water represented recreation and leisure. Years later through a series of articles relating to water shortage and crisis she understood that something she took for granted was a serious issue. Expanding her research, she became unsettled by the reality that our world is facing a water crisis. In the last decade, the number of children killed by drinking dirty water exceeded the number of people killed in all armed conflicts since the Second World War. Seventy five percent of Indiaʼs lakes and rivers are so polluted, they no longer should be used for bathing or drinking. Of the 25 countries in the world whose people have the least access to safe, clean water, 19 are in Africa. Facts such as these were alarming enough and she decided it was time to get involved.
Not being qualified to help on a practical scale, Kira set about instead combining her interest and experience in art, fashion, media and culture to raise money and awareness. Kiraʼs far-reaching charitable work and support of projects focusing on social responsibility further fuelled her creative ambition. Working with local artisans in Venice and their exquisite Murano glass, Kira produced a collection of hand-blown drinking carafes and tumblers with a unique and beautiful aesthetic. From the sale of these pieces, a percentage of profit goes directly to The ONE Foundation and helps to support the development of pump water systems across Africa. Donating to The ONE Foundation is a beginning step, as a percentage of the proceeds will continue to aid people who suffer from lack of water, she will also donate time and profits to creating awareness with empowered organizations looking to solve this crisis on a global level.
From inspiration stage through to concept and production, Kira launched her company Bib&Sola in just a year, in 2011. Currently living in London where her new company is based, Kiraʼs passion for design and sustainable living has seamlessly synthesized to bring to life a brand new concept of drinking. Merging the worlds of aesthetics and ethics, Bib&Sola is already making waves amongst design and luxury connoisseurs.
Let’s rediscover the pleasure of simple ideas… pure luxury. LA
info sourced at www.bibandsola.com and on press release. All images are copyrighted, no reproduction rights without previous notice.
