Cruise The Galapagos aboard Sanctuary Retreat’s new boutique ship – Athala M.C. II

Type the words ‘cruise ship’ into any search engine at the moment and before you know it you’re met with the word ‘disaster’.

Some may therefore, see Sanctuary Retreat’s announcement of a new luxury boutique catamaran cruise in the Galapagos Islands as unfortunate timing. However, when ‘disaster’ strikes the most respected action to take is (I quote) ‘keep calm and carry on’. So if you want to set an example – step aboard Athala M.C. II.

The boutique ship sails guests of up to sixteen around archipelago’s most sought after sights anchoring at two places each day to allow plenty of time to explore, with experienced naturalist guides. You can choose between two seven night itineraries, with five night options for both.

The boat offers air-conditioned accommodation in eight spacious cabins located on two decks. Elegant sustainably sourced teak features throughout the catamaran and Alcabins include large picture windows, with the option of private balconies on the main deck. The deck has an open - air bar, jacuzzi al fresco dining area and sundeck, offering the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting without moving a muscle.

The Galapagos Islands offer an abundance of natural wonder and it’s where Charles Darwin created ‘The Origin of Species’. Full of beauty, sunlight and inspiration – this is a destination with a difference.

For more information visit: www.sanctuaryretreats.com/cruises/galapagos

Written by Poppy Cross - 23/1/12

From CDC Lifestyle (Showing 9 of 1087 items)

Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher

Parallax AF to open at new Chelsea venue for 2012

After a successful 2011, Parallax AF, or P(AF) as it is sometimes referred to, is moving to Chelsea Town Hall in the fashionable King’s Road area of Chelsea. This Third Edition of the International Contemporary Art Fair in London will Showcase Emerging and Established Artists from West & East Europe, USA, Asia, South America, Turkey, UAE and Oceania.

“Not only is the Chelsea venue in a superb location for clients and artists alike,” explains Dr Chris Barlow, Director of BFA and P(AF) International, “it also enables us to provide more dedicated space for artists, as well as a lecture theatre and other amenities, such as a restaurant. Our usual four private views alone were attracting over 2500 guests, so it made sense to upscale the venue. Importantly, we will still keep it affordable and flexible for exhibitors, and entry will be free for visitors. That means clients can experience a much wider variety of art from around the world where there is cross-over of cultures and exchanges of ideas. I’m very pleased that increasing numbers of artists are joining us from Turkey, Eastern Europe, Iran and Africa. Interestingly, we have art concerning aspects of the Arab Spring made by artists in that region, which brings a perspective from people actually living through it.”

Unlike artist fairs that can sometimes market themselves as anti-dealer, P(AF) emphasises that it is also a bridge between dealers and the artist community, even showcasing young emerging dealers in previous editions. Its attempt to integrate new theories, and its catalogue essays on the practical implications for contemporary art and collecting drawn from discussions concerning epistemology and art history, have made it appealing to some industry people and academics. A feature of the event is the P(AF) Inaugural Lecture, given in the past by important cultural thinkers, such as the Californian art historian Professor Donald Preziosi. In February, it will be given by the historian, Professor Alun Munslow. “Visiting a P(AF) is to experience a living poetic metaphor, not simply an event or art fair,” explains Dr Barlow. “There are many assumptions about the art object that affect every aspect of any fair, such as selection committees and how they function in relation to objects and knowledge. Where P(AF) differs is that we identify the problem and then rather bravely put it ‘out there’ for public debate. Far from being stuffy or high-brow, the point here is to emphasise a further democratisation of contemporary art so that more people can feel confident about collecting and commenting on visual art culture.”

About Parallax AF

Parallax AF is the first art fair of its kind to use new theories from art history in its approach.
It showcases established and emerging international contemporary artists. It is a serious platform for artists to present their work to national and international dealers, art-industry people, collectors, critics and buyers without commission charges in an exhibition format underpinned with critical theory.

The third edition of Parallax AF takes place on Thursday 16th February to Saturday 18th February 2012 at Chelsea Town Hall, King’s Road, Chelsea and is curated by Dr Chris Barlow.

Press night: Wednesday 15th February, 6pm
Thursday 16th February, 10am – 6pm
Friday 17th February, 10am – 6pm
Saturday 18th February, 10am – 5pm

For further details visit their website at: www.barlowfinedrawings.com/parallaxaf

From CDC Lifestyle (Showing 14 of 1078 items)

Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher

The Lancasters Hyde Park - Lawson Robb show apartment

Highly acclaimed architectural and interior design specialists Lawson Robb appear to have cracked the international design code, inspiring a multitude of nationalities and cultures with a single show apartment which has just been reveal at The Lancasters, Hyde Park.

Frustrated with the lack of cohesion between architects and interior designers, Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb joined forces in 2003 to raise the bar in communicative design and provide the ultimate turn-key service. Thanks to increased design exposure to the corners of the earth, cunning analysis and of course crackingly good taste, LAWSON ROBB have excited the world of agents and developers by coming up with a strategically alluring design style that appeals to the broadest possible market of international high net worth buyers.

Over the last eight years, LAWSON ROBB have ardently pursued the art of style invention. Alix Lawson, joint founder, commented: ”As the finders of design and style solutions, a key skill lies in our ability to extract then translate our client’s personalities, standard of living and style. The pursuit of design perfection and creating a client’s ultimate dream home is not just a necessity but also a passion.”

Charlotte Robb added:”Having the day to day experience of working closely on private residential projects with the market clientele, an in-depth understanding of their aspirations, cultures, lifestyles and level of detail and quality expected, allowed us to confidently identify the most effective scheme to capture and excite the differing tastes of this discerning global high net worth buyer.”

It was evident from initial scrutiny that there are certain common threads that appeal to all: superior quality, luxurious and unusual finishes and materials, natural but rich colour palettes and meticulous detailing. A scheme not too elaborate but not plain, impressive but not ostentatious would be the answer.

Further inspiration was drawn from elements of the predominant cultural: the rich intricate inlays of the Middle East; the vibrancy of Southern Asia; American understated classical detailing paired with the simple lines and impeccable quality of European design. The calm proportions and structured patterns of the Far East were also important influences, as well as the idea of incorporating subtle elements of more opulent detailing seen in traditional Russian design.

Layering of these select elements allowed their harmonious marriage into a stylishly balanced scheme of understated luxury and sophistication. Materials used include silver leaf, pyrite, leather, rich walnut, lacquer, metal, velvet, silk wallpaper, marble, antique mirror.

Unveiling of this ‘International Style’ in the Lancasters show apartment has caused quite some excitable ripples and significant interest from the agents, developers and clients alike.

Website: www.lawsonrobb.com

From CDC Lifestyle (Showing 15 of 1078 items)

Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher

Alistair Erskine - Mediterranean Impressions at James Harvey British Art

Travelling with the Royals – artist ALISTAIR ERSKINE in Spain, Portugal and Morocco with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall

Alistair Erskine works at top speed to make his oil sketches en plein air. He paints directly from nature, with a simplicity and freshness that must have attracted Prince Charles to invite him as ‘official tour artist’ to record one of his journeys.

Alistair describes the most action packed ten days of his life moving from plane to motorcade across three countries, equipped with his travelling easel and prepared board and a windcheater for rapid costume change. There was a retinue of some twenty people, and virtually no glitch except once in Spain when his box of paints aroused, mercifully brief, security suspicion.

18th century grandees used to travel with artists to record their favourite views – so the prince is following a noble tradition. One English artist traipsed around Italy with the 2nd Earl of Warwick acting as a human camera. Richard Wilson dutifully painted views of Rome for the Earl of Dartmouth, though not part of his immediate entourage.

Alistair Erskine has spent his working life as a decorative artist devising paint treatments and murals for stately homes and opulent apartments. He has lost count of his billionaire clients. Such careful and painstaking brushwork has given him an intimate knowledge of each tube of paint and its special character. So he can mix in an instant. He has been painting landscapes for twenty years, on family holidays in France, Scotland and the West Country, trying to capture visual beauty without artifice.

Alistair Erskine - ‘MEDITERRANEAN IMPRESSIONS’
exhibits from February 29th - 9th March 2012

James Harvey British Art,
15 Langton Street,
London. SW10 0JL

Website: www.jhba.co.uk

From CDC Lifestyle (Showing 9 of 1021 items)

Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher

London Art Fair 18 - 22 Jan 2012 - Business Design Centre, Islington

London Art Fair, the UK’s largest art fair for Modern British and contemporary art returns, with over 100 galleries featuring the great names of the 20th century alongside exceptional recent work, from leading figures and emerging talent.

Galleries from across the UK and overseas will be exhibiting the work of over 1,000 artists covering the period from the early 20th Century to the present day. Museum quality Modern British art is presented alongside contemporary work from today’s leading artists.

Highlights of the 24th London Art Fair include:

Art Projects
Established as one of the most exciting sections of the Fair, Art Projects features solo shows, curated group displays, large-scale installations, performance events and a programme of experimental film and video, all by contemporary artists from across the world. Galleries that are new to Art Projects in 2012 include: Alma Enterprises, Beers.Lambert Contemporary Art, Edel Assanti, Hannah Barry Gallery, Michael Klein Arts,
T E N D E R P I X E L . , THE RESIDENCE and WHATIFTHEWORLD/ GALLERY.

Limited Editions are another important feature of Art Projects with both public and commercial galleries showing contemporary prints and multiples, offering an affordable way to start a collection of up-and-coming and high-profile artists from as little as £50. Editions galleries include Enitharmon Editions, Limoncello Editions, Saatchi Gallery and Serpentine Gallery.

Photo50
A showcase for contemporary photography established in 2007, Photo50 features 50 works curated by Sue Steward. The New Alchemists: Contemporary Photographers Transcending the Print, features artists whose practice sees them adorn, transform, subvert or deface the photographic print, including Esther Teichmann, David Birkin, Julie Cockburn and Michael Wolf.

Photography Focus Day, Wednesday 18 January 2012
Featuring a series of discussions and tours dedicated to contemporary photography.

Tours, Talks and Discussions
An extensive programme of talks and critical debates in association with key partners including the Contemporary Arts Society, the Whitechapel Gallery and The Arts Desk plus daily tours of the Main Fair and Art Projects.

Venue: Business Design Centre, Islington, London, N1 0QH
Nearest tube: Angel

The world's most exclusive business card with diamond encrustings

Targeting ultra high net worth individuals across Europe, the Middle East and Asia; Black Astrum (established in 2010), specialises in diamond based product design for ultra high net worth individuals. Based in London and Berkshire the company’s small team of designers and craftsmen provide a full design service, working closely with its clients to produce a product tailored to their specification. Now they offer their clients the ultimate business card, carefully crafted to be a highly distinctive symbol of status and wealth.

Quintessentially Foundation annual charity bike ride (London-Wales)

Quintessentially Foundation is now opening its registry for the 2012 annual bike ride from London to Wales.
The date for the bike ride will be the 14th – 17th June.

First look at the four-door Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS 2012

Here is the first glimpse of Holland’s new premium car brand Savage Rivale with their first launch - the truly awesome new Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS 2012, a four-door convertible supercar, and hopefully just the start of things to come for this new brand. With an almighty 670 HP V8 engine tucked-away under the hood, the Rivale Roadyacht GTS will do a gut-wrenchingly quick 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, while topping-out at an impressive 205 mph. Savage Rivale’s Roadyacht GTS is also set to be one of the most exclusive vehicles in the world, with a production run of only 20 cars in three colours. If you want one then I would make the call straight away as it is unlikely their order-book will remain open for much longer (if they haven’t closed it already).

Tamara Ecclestone to open the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2012

Model, heiress and TV presenter Tamara Ecclestone will officially open the 2012 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show at ExCeL London on Friday, 6 January. Tamara – star of the recent popular TV series “Billion Dollar Girl” and the face and body of Ultimo – will add all the glamour to the world-class event that would be expected of the model.

The spicy South-African allure of Shaka Zulu in Camden, London

Set underneath Camden’s landmark restaurant Giglamesh, Shaka Zulu clearly picks up the baton where they left off, with no holds barred in the mission to upstage them. Set underground over two huge floors it is reputed to have set it’s investors back to the tune of between £5-£7m.

Dorsia hosts a Titanic-themed NYE party with ASMALLWORLD

We cordially invite you to join us at one of London’s most talked about members-only clubs Dorsia, for its “Titanic, 100 Year Anniversary (1912 - 2012)” themed New Year’s Eve party. This spectacular New Year’s Eve reception will be filled with musical entertainment (Int’l DJs), dancing, unlimited canapés and a top-shelf open bar.

Royal Salute UAE Nations Polo Cup returns to Desert Palm UAE

The Royal Salute UAE Nations Cup returns to Desert Palm by Per AQUUM from 7 – 13 January 2012 with six international teams competing from the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Hungary, Pakistan, Brunei and the Rest of the World. Each team will be headed by the Patron of Polo for their country and one of their leading players. The UAE team will be the one to watch for the tournament as it will be captained by the world’s number one polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, who launched the tournament in 2009.