Lovely Lifestyles

Objects Of Desire

BEAU SANCY DIAMOND

Auctioned by Sothebys, 15^th May, 2012 – It weighs 34.98 carats and has been in royal hands for over 400 years.  The much-admired Beau Sancy diamond has variously resided in France, England, The House of Orange/Nassau and Prussia.  The exquisite modified pear-shape gem sold for $9.7 million – far exceeding the anticipated sale price of 2 – 4 million dollars.  After a fierce 8 minute bidding battle between five parties, the diamond was sold to an anonymous buyer by telephone.

Sothebys presented the famous diamond on behalf of the descendants of Germany’s last emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II.  It formed part of Sothebys Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels Auction at the Beau-Rivage Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland.  The Beau Sancy generated huge interest when displayed to potential buyers in Hong Kong, New York, Rome, Paris, London and Zurich ahead of the Geneva event.

Named for its first owner, the French aristocrat and diplomat, Nicholas Harlay de Sancy the double rose cut diamond features 110 symmetrical facets.  It was cut and polished by the legendary Louis de Berquem of Bruges.  It is a perfect colourless Golconda diamond.  The Golconda mines (now all-but exhausted) in Southern India were renowned for producing diamonds of spectacular size and clarity.

Berquem’s multi-faceted “pear” cut, was, at the time, a significant innovation and as such, gave the gem tremendous status.  Previously diamonds were presented in a much simpler fashion, with few facets – a format which did not properly reveal their true brilliance.

The “Beau Sancy” has been much admired and coveted down the centuries.  It is said that Queen Elizabeth II has long been interested in acquiring it, due, in no small part, to its illustrious provenance.  We can only speculate on the identity of its new owner…

Footnote:  The Beau Sancy has a BIG sister – the fabulous 55.23 carat “Grand Sancy” which is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.

BREGUET BRILLIANCE

From the very fine French watchmaker/jeweller Breguet is this bedazzling bracelet – part of the beautiful “L’Orangerie” Collection.  Inspired by the magnificent Orangerie at the Chateau de Versaille, this suite of jewellery is an indulgent exercise in clever colour combination and bold, innovative design.  With an 18ct yellow gold setting enhancing the radiance of pave diamonds (10.70ct) and rubies, pink tourmalines, spessartine garnets, yellow beryls and spinels (23.42ct), this special piece is a glorious floral explosion of colour and light.  The very desirable “L’Orangerie” collection also includes a stunning necklace, extravagant double flower ring, a pendant and drop earrings.

LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Bring some sexy Italian style to your desk with the very clever Chain Light – a totally inspired and eminently functional lamp designed by Iliara Marelli for Nemo Italianaluce.  Fully extended this uber-elegant appliance stands at 22 inches tall. Four “bright white” 1 watt LED lights deliver great illumination and, when not in use, the sleek articulated sections fold down to deliver a subtle ambient light. Completely closed, the lamp compacts to just a teeny 2.75 inches high!  Flexible, adaptable and practical, the Chain Light is a lovely piece of Italian sculpture for your workspace!

MING KA-CHING!!

Defying global financial sentiment, Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction of fine Chinese porcelain realised some record-breaking sales figures yesterday (5^th October, 2011).  One of the most notable moments was when a handsome meiping Ming vase eclipsed its pre-auction estimate of US$15.39 million to attain a staggering US$21.6 million.  The vase was purchased by an anonymous telephone bidder and its price represents the world’s highest ever for a piece of Ming porcelain.

Put up for sale by Swiss pharmaceutical tycoon, Stephen Zuellig and the heirs of his late brother, Gilbert, the large cobalt-blue and white vase is decorated with fruit sprays.  The vase is from the Yongle Imperial period (1402 – 1424) and was an important part of the brothers’ magnificent Meiyintang collection (they have amassed some 2000 pieces since the early 1950s).  Of the 55 items presented from their collection last night, 32 lots were sold (for a total of US$72 million).  Sotheby’s Hong Kong has grown rapidly in prominence in recent years, thanks to the burgeoning wealth of mainland Chinese and a renewed interest in collecting  Chinese fine art, porcelain and premium jewelry.

BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES

I have long been a fan of Paloma Picasso’s beautifully crafted pieces and have amassed quite a collection of her distinctive jewelry.  It has been most interesting to follow her style evolution – always unique and inventive, she has inherited her  father’s bold and very original design instincts.

In early 2010, Paloma launched her stunning Marrakesh collection – one of three new ranges of jewelry designed to celebrate her 30 year liason with Tiffany and Co.  This extravagant collection features bangles, rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings in silver and gold, with many of the pieces incorporating precious and semi-precious stones to great effect (diamonds, red jasper, lapis lazuli, black onyx, nephrite green jade and turquoise).

Of course the most appealing feature of this particular range is the exotic cut-out patterning of the metals, inspired by classic Moroccan geometric designs (Paloma has a home in Marrakesh).  Beautifully detailed and intricate, these signature creations are collectable classics. I just adore my gold Marrakesh bangle which I team with the matching drop earrings and the blue enamel and gold ring – great party pieces!   The bangle is also available in sterling silver.

VERA WANG CRYSTAL VASE

Does anyone do the wedding dress better than New York designer Vera Wang? She of fabulous bridal finery fame has many strings to her bow – apart from designing exquisite wedding gowns and exclusive evening wear, Wang has turned her considerable talent to producing lovely fragrances and cosmetic products, unique jewelry, handbags and luggage, eyewear, footwear, stationery and furniture.  She has also joined forces with the Waterford Wedgwood group to produce a luxurious range of covetable tableware, giftware and decorator items.  From fine bone china and stylish cutlery to sleek modern stemware and gorgeous collectables in silver, crystal and stainless steel – Vera Wang designs are very popular inclusions on any discerning wedding gift register.  The new “Vera Wang With Love” crystal vase is just so elegant – a contemporary classic!

DANISH DELIGHTS

These striking, sinuous stainless steel “Cobra” candlesticks from Danish design house Georg Jensen add glamour to any table setting.  Made of mirror-finish stainless steel, their reflective surfaces create a beautiful play of light.  Also from Jensen is designer Helle Damkjaer’s delightful “Bloom” tea light candle bowl – a beautifully sculpted organic shape, inspired by exotic flowers, in brushed stainless steel.  Grouped or placed randomly, these lovely ornamental pieces make a discreetly stylish statement at the table, or in any room – perfect for mood lighting in the boudoir and bathroom!

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SASSOON    – A CUT ABOVE

Surrounded by his family, Vidal Sassoon passed away at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles on May 9, 2012.  He was 84.

Arguably the greatest “celebrity hairdresser”, Sassoon was a visionary, an artiste and an entrepreneur, in the right place at the right time.

His philosophy was to allow women to enjoy their hair without time-consuming maintenance.  It was all about the cut!  He boldly pioneered the severe styling of the “geometric” look, which became so fashionable in the “swinging sixties”.

London was at the epicentre of a fashion and social revolution – Sassoon quickly found himself the stylist to the stars, courted by models, actors and society doyennes.  He was young, handsome and urbane – and he understood women and what was relevant – success was inevitable…[Read more...]

NOMA – NATURALLY!

Noma Restaurant may not yet have been awarded its third Michelin Star (much to the chagrin of the Danes) but it was declared Best Restaurant in the World for the third consecutive year at the prestigious S. Pellegrino Awards on 30^th April 2012 at The Guild Hall, London.  Inaugurated in 2002, (and originally ranking just 50 restaurants) the annual San Pellegrino Awards now recognise the world’s top 100.  The list is now universally acknowledged as one of the most influential in the world of serious gastronomy.

Under the inspired stewardship of Rene Redzepi, Noma Restaurant in Copenhagen, with its unique take on Nordic cuisine, now enjoys an international reputation and following.[Read more...]

THE VIGNETTE

I just LOVE creating vignettes – artful groupings of lovely things!

There are so many opportunities in the domestic setting to arrange a vignette and give any room an instant style injection!  It’s a great way to display your treasures and all sorts of other complementary pieces.  Visually it helps “pull” furniture together within a space.

Dramatic, quirky, folksy or classic, it’s these thoughtful arrangements which speak of the people who inhabit the space and make their house a home.

The basic principles of good arrangement are:[Read more...]

AMAZING GRACE – April 28, 2012.

She has done it AGAIN!  On Saturday racing sensation Black Caviar claimed her 20^th straight win in emphatic style!  Australia’s favourite sprinter wowed the crowd of 30,000 at Morphettville in Adelaide with a stellar performance in the 1200m Sportingbet Classic – The Robert Sangster Stakes.

Ridden by Luke Nolen, the mighty 5 year old effortlessly covered the distance in 70 seconds, finishing four and a half  lengths ahead of Sistine Angel and Lone Rock. [Read more...]

EARTH DAY 22nd APRIL, 2012.

It’s here again – bigger and better than ever!  This year some 192 countries will unite in acts of earth-consciousness on 22^nd April.  The target – A Billion Acts of Green – advocates a sustainable future with a focus on “renewable energy for all”.

There are many levels of engagement available – all participating countries and cities have organised initiatives suited to groups and/or individuals.  These range from organised rallies and local action collectives to individual commitments like [Read more...]

BYE BYE POSSUMS!!

April 2012:  It has been announced that Australia’s favourite housewife Dame Edna Everage, will soon be withdrawing from public life.  Australian actor, writer and film producer Barry Humphries AO, CBE – creator of the much-beloved stage character (and her counterparts Sir Les Patterson and Sandy Stone), feels at age 78, it is time to retire gracefully.  Humphries’ upcoming tour – Eat Pray Laugh will be his last.  The show commences a two month run in Australia in June, followed by performances in Britain and New York.

Whilst he is remarkably sprightly, the travelling and performances are physically demanding and Humphries wants to exit at the top of his game.  He plans to focus on his many other interests which include painting (he is an accomplished landscape artist).

Since her debut 57 years ago, Humphries’ alter-ego, Dame Edna, the self-proclaimed housewife/superstar from Moonee Ponds (a Melbourne suburb) has evolved into an international phenomenon.

Dame Edna’s personal style could best be defined as “flamboyant” – her striking purple bouffant hair, signature winged rhinestone glasses and unique costumes delivering as much impact as her no-holds-barred political and social satire.  Having graced the great stages of London’s West End, the Sydney Opera House, Broadway and beyond, the jet-setting diva has also managed countless television and film appearances, published several books and given the odd Royal Command Performance.  It is no wonder she now lays claim to giga-stardom!

In 2000 Barry Humphries received a Tony Award for his Broadway show – Dame Edna, The Royal Tour.

Humphries is a man of sophisticated intellect and incisive wit.  Retiring his iconic characters will bring an end to an era of wonderfully original entertainment (though he muses that Edna may occasionally resurface in the media offering her unique perspective on things social and politic).

I’m sure we all hope we’ve not seen the last of this grande dame of the Antipodes or her extraordinary wardrobe – those outrageously extravagant costumes are true “works of art” and will hopefully end up on permanent public display.

GUCCI GIRL

With the launch of its “Forever Now” advertising campaign, the House of Gucci has introduced the lovely Charlotte Casiraghi as its new “face”. Fourth in line to the throne of the Principality of Monaco, the stunning 25 year old is the daughter of Princess Caroline and the late Italian industrialist, Stefano Casiraghi.  She is also granddaughter to the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Charlotte, who bears a striking resemblance to her glamorous mother, has also inherited an innate sense of style.  A front row regular at major fashion events, she has long been courted by Europe’s leading designers and is frequently photographed stepping out in Chanel, Dior, YSL, Versace, Valli, Balmain, Miu Miu and of course, Gucci.

Blessed with great genes and natural poise, Charlotte Casiraghi represents a savvy choice on behalf of the iconic fashion house, embodying youth, beauty and a modern sophistication.  An accomplished equestrian, writer and publisher, her appointment lends valuable cachet to a classic brand in a competitive market.

B is for BOUGAINVILLEA

What Mediterranean garden would be complete without the vivacious and hardy Bougainvillea (Nictaginaceae)?  This ever-popular woody vine originated in South America and today over 300 varieties (climbing, semi-climbing & shrub form) can be found around the world.  Happiest in a warm full-sun position, the Bougainvillea is salt & drought tolerant. [Read more...]