181 posts
Latest Posts by visionofsplendor - Page 4
The Drama of Zac Posen
I had to put these beautiful pictures up from Zac Posen pre Spring Resort 2013 (what a mouthful) . Elegant clothes, incredible jewellery and the perfect model for this, the statuesque Erin O'Connor. Apparently the collection was inspired by the women in Singapore, who would have known? Wish I knew who the jewellery is by and who styled and photographed this to give them credit also.
C'est Dramatique!
Photos via,
www.fashionising.com
www.zacposen.com
East is East
Last Saturday a dear friend of mine organized a fantastic tour of East London Street Art. The Sun was shinning and temperatures high, we started our day by meeting up at Shoreditch House for some brunch, good friends and family from London and two friends from Spain who are not all familiar with East London our group in its self is a melting pot of nationalities as none of us are born in London.
Once fed and energized we strolled to Liverpool station to meet our Street Art knowledge bank and off we went to discover the vast art that is spread out over parts of East London. Concentrating around the Brick Lane area, which is filled with history, like the legend of Jack the Ripper and many layers of cultures, religions and famous artists. I knew the area well enough having lived in London for more than 20 years but did not know much about street art and how big it has become in the East and around London.
It was a enriching day, sun, art, history and great friends. I recommend this to everyone, yet another thing that makes London so special is that its always filled with surprises.
I love you London xo
All pictures taken by Vision of Splendor with my iPhone.
Here is the link to book your tour,
http://www.insider-london.co.uk/london-graffiti-artists-walking-tours/
London Culture Galore Autumn 2012
I love London in September & October the sun is shinning, no really it is! The city is really having an amazing year, Jubilee and Olympics and now Art, Design, Theatre and anything in between take centre court. This is just a very small selection of many upcoming exhibitions.
For more information on and to purchase tickets click on the links below .
Let the Culture Games Begin! xo
www.somersethouse.org.uk
Valentino:Master of Couture
www.tate.org.uk
Pre Raphaelites Victorian Avant Garde
www.hamiltons.com
Murray Fredericks Hector
www.halcyongallery.com
Pedro Paricio Diary of An artist and Other Stories 2007-2012
The Imagination of Olivier Mourao
Artist, Collector of Antiques, Painter, and Brazilian born Olivier Mourao is a man of many talents.
Ibiza has been Olivier's vacation spot since the early 70's, first he lived in a penthouse in town with his friend and fellow artist Prince Tomasz Lubomirski One day he fell upon a Mediterranean style house designed by Spanish Architect Carlos Larios Matinez which was the perfect canvas for Olivier's incredible creative eye. They purchased the house and with the collaboration of Brazilian Architect Perla Stefani they created a dream home.
Filled with incredible pieces from a 18th century Francis Assisi santo to Ibecencan ceramics, 19th century Indian furniture amongst other surprises. The garden which Lubomirski oversaw the design of, can host parties for about 700 guests sprinkled with cosy nooks, and alfresco dinning under the citrus trees. Love how they have created such an elegant home on island renowned for its parties and basic living.
Island Elegancia xo
All photos via Architectural digest.
Paintings shown by Olivier Mourao
www.oliviermourao.com.br
http://www.nowness.com/media/embedvideo?itemid=2305&issueid=2083
INTERMISSION: ICARUS RISES DIRECTED BY THOMAS GIDDING'S via NOWNESS
Arrivederci Capri
Caesar Augustus Hotel Anacapri, what a view!
And another view from my hotel
Charming Saints protecting the houses
Hats off Capri Tiberio Hotel
La Terraza of a Private home
Via Tagara
Colour Burst
Back streets of Capri
Beware Jewellery Galore Everywhere..love all the gold on tanned skin.
Leaving La Fontinella with the little yacht called Rising Sun in the background..
Crisp and fresh Italian Rosé
Caesar Augustus Anacapri gorgeous hotel .
Carthusia Parfumeria di Capri, great gifts .
Beautiful staircase at The Capri Tiberio Palace decorated by Giampiero Panepinto
Sunset drinks at la Piazzetta
Love Poems by Pablo Neruda on the Arco Naturale Trail
The view from Punta Tagara
Il Riccio Dessert Room..heaven
Yumm
Full moon view from my balcony
Wonderful invite for the opening of Faraone Mennella’s jewellery shop in Capri.
Now back home , am feeling blue after the magical time that I had in the Isole delle Sirene called Capri. I can hear their call, myth or not, just as Roman Emperors Caesar Augustus and Tiberius did amongst many many others.
You are hypnotized to eat like you have never eaten before thinking you will not eat again after your last amazing meal in one of the wonderful restaurants, and guess what? Hours later you are hungry again and running to another restaurant...so Capri is a lot about its delicious and fresh food , but the good thing is that you have to walk everywhere there are no cars on the island, as its a maze of narrow paths.
There are amazing walks like the Arco Naturale trail, but make sure you wear comfortable shoes on this one, we didn't it thanks to my spacey local friend who forgot how long the trail was. Should have paid attention to the receptionist of the hotel when she looked at us in horror when we left the hotel, we climbed over 400 really huge and steps on our hands and knees after having all ready walked 45 minutes in espadrilles and wedges for her, oh and I was wearing a dress ...wanted to kill her by the end we were soaked in sweat with makeup running down our faces, branches in our hair and it was dark by the time we got the to the restaurant Il Grotelle, but don't let that put you off...its spectacular the walk in running shoes and shorts. We did laugh and almost cry too... and then I had a huge plate of spaghetti Aglio e olio and lots of wine to calm my self.
Yes eating is the favourite sport here and crazy romantic or challenging walks...but the best walks are done around the shops, Linen shops, handmade sandals, jewellery galore, cashmere, scents and more. You know you are in Italy when the men's shops are better than the women's ones..
At sunset there is always amazing outdoor concerts, classical, Neapolitan, or even Kazakhstani , you can hear the music flow all over Capri, it is so beautiful, or the outdoor cinema to watch old Italian movies. Also visiting or staying in Anacapri is essential, very different to Capri, the air is cooler, crispier and the views are spectacular. Its like being in the countryside of Capri. My favourite thing to do there is go to the Caesare Augustus hotel for sunset drinks, just heaven..I will stay there for a few days next time, want to get know this part of the island better and with that view!
Or if lazy just hire a boat to take you around the island stopping off to swim in beautiful bays, look at incredible boats anchored of the island or got to one of the beach clubs to hangout and yes eat again and even day excursions to Positano or Nerano.
I could go on and on, obviously I love Capri as do many others. Thank you my friend for giving me a wonderful holiday in your childhood island. Can't wait to go back, I can hear the Siren's call..
Till we meet again xo
All Pictures taken by Vision of Splendor.
Intermission : Alice Temperley for Filofax.
Video Direction & Production by Vanessa Scott
Food is Art III
Quails Egg | Egg
Sweet Jelly | Limoncello
Chocolate | Cheese with Pears
Pumpkin Soup | Soup
Chiacchiere | Cherries
Sea Bass | Sushi
Mullet | Tripe
Octopus | Meatballs
Steak | Bonbons
Asparagus | Basmati Rice
Bread | Pepper
Sea Urchin | Spiedini
Yoghurt with Figs | Foots
Eye | Oysters
Snails | Muricidae
The Dark side of Food Photography. Silvia Badalotti's striking compositions are are a little disturbing and intense to look at but the light, background and contrasts makes them mesmerizing. Taken from the forthcoming Black Food Book, cannot wait to see the rest of these images.
All images via,
www.finedininglovers.com
www.silviabadalotti.it
Olympic Fever : Nadia Comaneci
This morning I was watching tv and suddenly Nadia Comaneci popped up on the screen carrying the Olympic Torch. Memories came flooding back of watching her with my father in Caracas back in the 70's. He was obsessed by her perfection... and perfect she was, the first gymnast in history to be given the perfect sore of 10.00 at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. At 14 years old Romanian Nadia went on to win seven perfect tens, three gold medals, one bronze, one silver.
Four years later at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Comaneci earned two more gold medals and two silver to bring her Olympic total to nine medals--five gold, three silver and one bronze. In 1996, Comaneci was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Even though Nadia won a total of nine Olympic medals, five of them gold, she will always be remembered at the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 and leave her indelible mark on the history of the Olympics.
This is why I have dedicated this post to Nadia and to my late father..I wish had been an incredible gymnast like Nadia but she is was one of kind and an inspiration to all.
Let Games Begin, Happy Olympics London! xo
All photos sourced via Tumblr and Nadia Comaneci's website,
www.bartandnadia.com
www.tumblr.com/tagged/nadia-comaneci
Saluti da Capri
Arrivo!! Photo via Google
Ave Ceasar Photo Vision of Splendor
Il Mare Slim Aarons
Love the signs...One of these is my Hotel.. photo via Tumblr.
Capri Style 1970's by Slim Aarons
Pink Heaven photo via Tumblr
Mama Mia the best plate of Pasta in the world! Photo by Vision of Splendor
Long beautiful walk to Marina Piccola Via Krupp..
Nothing to do with Capri...but David Gandy looks Italian and dresses beautifully like the men did in the past..and basically no need to explain. Bello
A room with a view, blue and green...photo by Vision of Splendor
Bella Marisa in Capri 1970's by Slim Aarons. This is how I wish I looked on the beach.
Capri Traditional "gozzi"...me on this very soon.
Arrivederci London! On my way to the magic of Capri sun, sea, beauty, Amore and mangare mangare and mangare. xo
Big In Japan : Kaikado
The History of Kaikado
Kaikado was established in 1875, shortly after Japan opened its doors to the rest of the world. With civilization came the import of tin plate from England. Tin was used for the plating of steel, and was considered a fashionable foreign-made item. In the Edo era, canisters made from tin were a commonplace means of storage for tea, as were jars made from china or earthenware. It was the company's founder, Kiyosuke, who first designed the tin tea caddy and made it into a commercially available item. His aim was to provide a well-designed, functional tea caddy capable of storing the type of tea leaves commonly sold by dealers. Showing sympathy for local traditions, Kaikado designed a product that would leave a lasting impression on the discerning Kyoto locals. A great many orders were received from tea dealers and hardware merchants alike. The tea caddies were tailor made to the requirements and needs of each and every store. In a time before the invention of the refrigerator, air tightness was key to maintaining the flavour and quality of freshly picked leaves for a period of one year.
Kaikado's tea caddies were a blessing in disguise to tea dealers, in particular in terms of their functionality. Before long, there was an increase in the number of stores supplying the tea caddies, in Kyoto and throughout Western Japan. A manufacturing process that involves anywhere between 130 to 140 steps, the hand-made tea caddies have virtually remained true to the designs established by Kaikado's founding generation. The die and mold used in the early years of the company is still in use today, whilst some shapes of tea caddy used 130 years ago are still in production today.
In 1916, the company was succeeded by Otokichi. The second generation, Otokichi was said to be the most able craftsman of all generations. The third generation, Hikojiro, successfully led the company through difficult times in which, preceding and after the 2nd World War, materials were scarce and tools also had to be sent away in the name of war. The period of economic growth that followed the war years, saw the advent of cheaply made, inexpensive tea caddies. Dissatisfied with this, the fourth generation successor, Shouchi, continued to make tea caddies in the traditional manner, at the same time developing a caddy made from copper. The fifth generation, Seiji, started producing tea caddies to sell to the general public and for this purpose introduced a portable caddy suited to the individual user. Seiji also developed a caddy made from brass. The sixth successor, Takahiro, developed a two-tiered tea caddy. He initiated the first ever collaborations with tea brands, and marketed his caddies abroad. Whilst maintaining tradition, Takahiro set his sights on the global market. Adding a new element per generation is a tradition that Kaikado has carried throughout its history.
Even as its horizons widened, Kaikado has made the same tea caddies it has always done. Doing away with excessive detail, the caddies are based on the pursuit of function. Their simple forms are overflowing with functionality. Each time a Kaikado tea caddy is handled, it develops a unique sheen specific to the type of material from which it is made. Witnessing the changes in color that develop over time will surely bring great joy to the person wishing to nurture their caddy over time. A tea caddy that has been filled with the memories of 100 years can be passed onto the next generation to treasure. With the hand-made materials and methods that comprise Kaikado’s selection of caddies, one can enjoy the expressions unique to each and every tin caddy, or the rapidly changing appearance of copper, or the mellow changes of color that make the brass tea caddies so unique. These qualities forming an important characteristic to its tea caddies, Kaikado have selected only materials with which this can be achieved.
The precision inherent in the hand-made process of the tea caddies is also unique to Kaikado. The double-walled construction guarantees excellent air tightness and will protect tea leaves from humidity whilst helping them to maintain their scent. In addition to being used for storing tea leaves, the caddies be used to hold a wide variety of foodstuffs. They can also be used to store English or Chinese tea, as well as coffee, spices, pasta and grain. We are confident that our customers will not only enjoy the long-lasting quality of our tea caddies, and the scents that arise with each removal of the lid, but experience the difference in function between our caddies and standard containers or boxes.
Having spanned 130 years of history, it is our wish to maintain the art of and passion for our tea caddies for future generations to enjoy.
Love the story of Kaikado, wonderful craftsmanship and design, you can have them customize your logo or any design on them and combine the brass, silver and bronze together, they are also useful for to store other ingredients like herbs, pasta and coffee. For more information and ordering please visit their beautiful site. Your kitchen would look magnificent with these caddy's gleaming.
Utsukushii xo
Pictures sourced via,
www.kaikado.jp
www.designboom.com
Masterpiece Fair London 2012
Carpenters Workshop Gallery: Citylight LED Chandelier by Studio Molen, Taj Mahal Table by Studio Job and Fragile Future by Gordijn & Nauta.
Hamiltons Gallery: Dahomey 1967 Irving Penn
Made By Meta : Diamond's Are A girls Best Friend I by Matali Crasset, Brass and Steel Side tables by Gabriella Crespi, Diamon's A Girls Best Friend I Scones by Matali Crasset.
Masterpiece Interiors
Based Upon : Westminster & London on Liquid Metals and Resins.
Swarovski : Iris & Tord Boontje Blossom Chandelier.
Masterpiece Fair
Masterpiece is London's most spectacular Fair now in it's third year, here Traditional, Ancient, Contemporary and Modern meet. Showcasing the best of craftsmanship and culture. The Exhibitor's create incredible stands from a vast selection of Art, to Metalwork, Decoration, Photography, Jewellery, Classic Cars and more. Not only is there such a large amount of variety but the actual exhibition space is beautifully put together.
A Big Tent that actually looks like you entering a beautiful mansions, with high airy ceilings, cream coloured carpet, massive flower arrangements. Urban Caprice catering from some of my favourite London Restaurants, Harry's Bar, Scott's, Mount Street Deli and Le Caprice where my Sister and I could not get a table get a table for lunch as it was fully booked with a 1 hour wait!! Amazing but we had plenty of other choice only at Masterpiece could you find this. I choose just a few images of some of the work at the Fair that really stood out. I will do more posts on each one as they have such incredible talent in their books.
London knows how to put on a good Fair and Masterpiece is the most elegant in the world followed closely by PAD in October but that's another story. You will have to wait till June 26th 2013 for the next Fair so plenty of time if you want to visit or maybe try and get a space to exhibit.
Bravo London xo
All photos taken by Vision of Splendor except image 12 and last image sourced via Masterpiece.
More info on these links,
www.carpentersworkshopgallery.com
www.basedupon.com
www.masterpiecefair.com
www.madebymeta.com
www.hamiltonsgallery.com
Guido Mocafico
Lampropeltis getula nigrita
Roses
Boiga dendrophila melanota
Nature Morte aux Huîtres
Vipera Wagneri
Audemars Piguet Tourbillon répétition minutes squelette
Dendroaspis viridis
Salmopoeus irminia
Naja nigricollis
Bouquet de tulipes
Vipera aspis
Smith & Wesson 44 magnum
Vipera Ammodytes
Snakes, Guns, Spiders are not my favourite things in the world. Would not want to be at close range with any of these things. Flowers, food and watches on the other hand are always part of my life. Guido Mocafico does convert my terrified view into one of beauty and awe, nature dangerous as it may be is designed to perfection just as a gun can be admired of its incredible craftsmanship. Not sure if I would hang some of these images in my bedroom but anywhere else the visual impact they make is mesmerizing.
Hypnotic xo
GUIDO MOCAFICO Italian, born in Switzerland in 1962, lives in Switzerland and works in Paris. Guido Mocafico studied Photography at Vevey school in Switzerland. Specialized in still life photography, his most recent images are published in magazines such as Numéro, Numéro Homme, Paradis, V Mag, Vogue US, Vogue France, Men’s Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Face, Wallpaper He works for major brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Clarins, Shiseido, YSL, Clinique, Dior, Bvlgari, Armani, Hermès. Alongside his commercial and advertising activities, Guido Mocafico has developed a series of long-term personal projects, destined to be published in books and shown as exhibitions.
His work can be found at the following Galleries,
Hamiltons Gallery 13 Carlos place London W1 K 2 EU U.K. T / 020 7499 9493/4 www.hamiltonsgallery.com
BERNHEIMER FINE OLD MASTERS E.K. BU Fine Art Photography Brienner Str. 7 80333 Munich Germany T / +49-89-226672 www.bernheimer.com
All photos sourced via,
www.guidomocafico.com
Swimming Pools II
California Bernard Trainor Architect
Ibiza Antonio & Ignacio Saorin
Morocco Jaouad Kadiri
Washington DC Thomas Pheasant
Napa Valley Pool Pavillion Tom Leader Studio
Mexico Michael Schaieble
Nantucket Karin Blake
Formentera Jordi Canosa
Florianopolis Carlos Miele
Trancoso Daniela Oliviera
Hamptons Tim Whealon
Jamaica Ralph & Ricky Lauren
Formentera II Jordi Canosa
Tropical Island Simon Upton
Venezuela Fernando Arriaga
Lebanon Pool of Elie Saab Design by Chakib Richani
Summertime is here and what is more beautiful than having a great pool to spend it in. I can only dream that one day I will have my own house with a gorgeous garden and pool.
In the meantime I can only sit and look at these and get inspiration until the real thing.
Dream Away xo
Photos sourced via,
www.elledecor.com
www.architecturaldigest.com
www.jordicanosa.com
Brazilian Chic
Aline's family home in Jau
Aline de Almeida Prado Atalla was born and brought up in the beautiful area of Jau in the State of Sao Paulo were the land is dotted by emerald green landscapes and Fazenda's (farms and plantation houses) were they grow coffee(the best ever!), sugar cane and cattle. The land expands as far as they eye can see and at night the sky is a blanket of stars.
With a fashion degree from Sao Paulo's Marcelina College and IED Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan, design was all ready in Aline's blood. Her career started with interior design and jewellery. This knowledge led her to put all her talents into one place in the creation of this line of handbags named Lane Prall which is a combination of letters taken from her name. Her experience in jewellery inspired the design of her ornamental handles which are made from materials such as resin and metal and are inspired by Art Noveau , Art Deco and Nature. The resin, brand identity, is first sketched by the designer. Then each piece receives special treatment, the wooden moulds are hand carved and then the resin gain color and brightness through the painstaking work of the goldsmiths
The exotic materials which the bags are composed of come from her knowledge of using them in her interior design work. The company cares about sustainability, and therefore, all materials are free from heavy metals, as well as the exotic skins, that she uses, stingray, alligator and python-are exclusively purchased from farms that comply with rigorous rules management, and sustained, controlled by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Resources). Her bags are hand made, one by one, by craftsmen who carefully turn a dream into reality. Aline does not follow trends, and the main goal is to create timeless bags, following her intuition and always looking for the perfect finish and the proportion of its parts. The bags are made to order and can take around 60 days to be produced.
This only a small selection of her beautiful collection, to order or enquiry please email Aline directly on her email alinealprado@gmail.com.
Que Maravilha xo
Images via Aline de Almeida Prado Atalla and landscape pictures of Fazenda Atalla taken by Vision of Splendor.
L'Apartement de Monsieur Lagerfeld
«Je voulais un appartement avec du verre et de la transparence partout …
Ici, pas de couleur, car je suis entouré de couleur en permanence. Je préfère vivre dans un environnement neutre.»-KL
I wanted an apartment with glass and transparency everywhere … And there is no colour here, because I am constantly surrounded by colour. I prefer to live in a neutral environment.
Photos by Karl Lagefeld
www.admagazine.fr
www.karl.com/fr
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert
Well done England for putting on such a beautiful show. London never looked so beautiful! So happy to have been here to be part of such a memorable weekend.
God Save The Queen. xo
Sources via,
www.guardian.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.dailymail.co.uk
www.flickr.com
Long Live The Queen
Majestic: The artist's impression of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee flotilla recalls Canaletto's famous painting, River Thames with St. Paul's Cathedral on Lord Mayor's Day, c.1747-48
Newly Crowned Queen on the Cover of 1956 Empire Day Pamphlet.
Flags Regent Street and all over London.
Brora Shop Front
Royal Barge for the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla
Elizabeth by Cecil Beaton
Diamond Jubilee Cake baked for The Queen by The Military Caterers which took more than 500 hrs to make.
Tower Bridge with British Flag Colours for the Jubilee via Press Association
Don't Mess with The Queen
Hackett Jubilee Windows
Anya Hindmarch Jubilee Windows
Love her smilling.
Harrods
The Queen in a Hardy Amies white lace ensemble on her tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1953-1954. Look at her tiny waist. Photo: Rex Features
Coronation Day
Mama and Son
Buckingham Palace
The Windsors
Rendering of Diamond Jubilee Stage at Buckingham Palace
Coronation Dress by Norman Hartnell
Long Live The Queen.
Convent Garden Union Flags
This weekend London and the rest of the United Kingdom will be in full splendor for our Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee to celebrate 60 years of her reign.
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! xo
Sources via,
www.telegraph.co.uk
www.dailymail.co.uk
http://www.nowness.com/media/embedvideo?itemid=2120&issueid=1987
Through A Glass Brightly directed by William Snieg for Nowness.
Amangiri
Earth, Teach Me
Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with new light.
Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurture their young.
Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree that stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky.
Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall.
Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.
- An Ute Tribe Prayer
Set in the majestic Desert Canyon of Utah on the border to Arizona , Amangiri meaning Peaceful Mountain is in complete unity with its incredible surroundings. This is a resort that reaches into your soul and connects you to the Desert with Panoramic views from every angle, the colours of the pink sky and the splendor of the Canyons as your companion.
With 34 Suites in total with different layouts and categories some with larger terraces, Sunset views or sunrise views, some with pools and its two special suites the GiriJaala and the Aman Suite with dining al Fresco, terraces and large pools a home away from home. All Suites are designed with minimalistic but warm decor in Desert tones to blend the surrounding nature into your room. There is also an outdoor bedroom were you can sleep under stars for the very brave!
At the centre of the resort resides the Main Pavilion were you will find the dining room, cellar, library, Art Gallery where they showcase the regions best Art, Jewellery and Handcrafted wares from the Navajo tribes.
There is a a beautiful pool that blends into the canyon with king size sun loungers, and next to the hot tub there is a fireplace area for the colder days. The vast 25, 000 Sq ft spa with floatation therapy, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms , even the indoor treatment rooms have spectacular views of the Canyon. The spa menu was created to reflect the Navajo Healing and Culture Traditions. There is also a a yoga pavilion and a the classic gym for those in need, which I find doubtful as Amangiri organizes the most incredible trips in the surrounding areas, hiking trails of different levels with names such as Coyote, Studhorse, Cave Peak and Hodoo.
Visit the Naional Parks such as Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, North and South Rim and Monument Valley. Or if water is what gets to you visit Lake Powell or go Fly Fishing in the Colorado River. Last but not least take it all in from the sky with Hot Air Baloon Flights or a Private plane, not too shabby this Amangiri.
Wait there is still more, they do some specials tours and events during different times of the year. Full Moon Yoga on a sandstone platform a 15 minutes hike away from the resort . Presentations and lectures "Dinosaurs of the Grand Staircase" were you will learn about the creatures that used to live in the area from archeologists that will bring some artifacts from the dig site. Love the stars? Then watch the stars via a Dobsonian Telescope with Amangiris Astronomy guide who will give you a tour of the night sky. For culture fanatics there is outdoor Opera in the amphitheater formed by the rocks.
Yes I am obsessed with hotels in the desert. Are you dreaming yet? xo
Photos via Amangiri, Flickr.
http://www.amanresorts.com
Dashi Namdakov: A Nomad's Universe Exhibition II
Last night I was invited to the opening of A Nomad's Universe , I know I just did a post on this, but I had not even seen the exhibition but had a feeling it was going to be spectacular.
I was not wrong , Dashi Namdakov is an out of this world artist as you can see from the hundreds of pictures I took there was not one piece I did not like. I was like a mad woman with a camera. I had to edit from hundreds , it was hard to take great pictures as the Halcyon Gallery was packed with people in awe. For me this is the greatest, most moving exhibition I have ever seen, If money was no object I would buy almost his whole collection and create my own museum to look at it everyday. Words fail to describe the excellence in craftsmanship, you can feel the soul in every piece as they have really lived.
Thank you to the Halcyon Gallery for sharing with us a true Alchemist and Dashi Namdakov for bringing us your spirit and gift to the world.
Run now to see this you will never forget it.
16th of May-7 July 2012
Halcyon Gallery
144-146 New Bond Street
London
England
www.halcyongallery.com
www.dashi-art.com
All pictures taken by Vision of Splendor,
Dashi Namdakov: A Nomad's Universe
“I would like to understand Buryat and Buddhist tradition rationally, yet I believe something within me knows it better than I do." Dashi Namdakov
Dashi Namdakov lives in the South Eastern part of Russian Siberia near the absolutely magnificent Lake Baikal, the world’s cleanest and biggest fresh water container - one of the Worlds Natural Heritage Sites. The local people Buryats believe the Lake to be sacred.
Dashi was born in 1967 in a small Buryati village near the Russian Chinese border. His father was a well-known craftsman in the village who was famous for his versatile abilities to make things with his own hands furniture, metal handles and even carpets. His wood-carved sculptures of buddhist gods and tangkas (Buddhist icons) were installed in monasteries. So, from early childhood the kids learnt different skills through helping their father.
This is the atmosphere Dashi has grown up in and by the time he became a young man he had a good command of various manual skills. But at the age of 15 Dashi suddenly got very sick and for 7 long years no doctor could heal him. The boy was near the death's door.
Finally the parents found themselves at a shaman who found the cause of the sickness. It was the negligence that people show to their roots, their predecessors and their names. She made her ritual. Incredible enough but the pain stopped instantly. And 7 days later Dashi was in another city looking for a job. That shaman predicted that Dashi would see a huge success due to his ability to observe the beauty of the surrounding world and to recreate it in metal.
He moves to Ulan-Ude, Buryati central city and starts his carrier in the workshop of the locally well-known sculptor G.Vasilyev. In 1988 Dashi is admitted to the University of Fine Arts in Siberian Krasnoyarsk city. This is where Russian famous artists Lev Golovnitsky, Yuri Ishkhanov, Azat Boyarlin and Eduard Pakhomov taught him the academic art.
After graduation in 1992 Dashi returns to Ulan-Ude. In the year 2000 after his first personal exhibition in Irkutsk it becomes clear that a new star was born in the world of arts. The exhibition came as a furore to the art establishment. The first exhibition was followed by other successful venues in Russia and other countries.
The mysterious images often haunt Dashi during nights when the consciousness is in transition to another world inhabited by celestial creatures and spirits. Dashi scrupulously renders these visions to the paper for him not to forget - and then the night dreams are imprinted in bronze or silver.
Dashi's sculptures belong to other, remote worlds where the man and the cosmos are one, where every single thing is an integral part of the universal construction each having its own individual place and yet constantly reincarnating. This is the oriental idea of the world seeing beauty in the fragile harmony of things and fearing to break this beauty with an awkward move.
This is why old shamans talk to the spirits and heal people in Dashi's world. His old warrior does not look barbaric at all rather he is tired and wise. However one feels that his wisdom does come from a lot of pain. Knowing the real cost of the victory the warrior becomes wise and thus more humane than anybody else. Dashi's women are sensual but shy in the oriental manner. Looking at a wild fallow deer how can anyone fail to see a beautiful girl? If one takes a close look at the world around he must be able to see its beauty.
"The Creator is wiser than you", - say Dashi's sculptures.- "If you take the world as it is its secret beauty will come out to you".
"My Grandpa was a very gifted story-teller. He knew a lot of legends and stories about Buryats. And I remember them with my bones, inwardly. This feeling is very strong and more on subconscious level. I would like to understand Buryat and Buddhist tradition rationally, yet, I believe, something within me knows it better than I do. My teacher at the Art School was Lev Golovnitsky, a very fine and good Russian sculptor. And he helped me to appreciate and understand the art of sculpture and world tradition. And I am a student of Michelangelo and Bourdelle, Bruegel and Old Japanese art. And I am also myself. " (Dashi Namdakov).
Text above from Halcyon Gallery,
I have always been fascinated by Nomadic Tribes and the lands of Mongolia , Siberia, Russia and central Asia. Especially their traditions and mystical faiths of Shamanism and storytelling. Dashi Namdakov has managed to capture all of these things and more in his incredible sculptures, paintings and jewellery design. This is is his first solo show in the UK, The collection includes 45 sculptures and drawings created by the artist over last 12 years and showcases the artist’s extraordinary craftsmanship and highly original style which combines traditional spiritual imagery with present day realities, make sure to also go and see this and the sculpture in Marble Arch. Out of this world.
Thank you Halcyon Gallery for bringing us such a magnificent talent,
16th of May-7 July 2012
Halcyon Gallery
144-146 New Bond Street
London
Photos sourced via,
www.halcyongallery.com
www.dashi-art.com
www.khankhalaev.com
La Citroen 2CV par Hermes
Celebrating this weeks up coming Hermès exhibition in London, I got inspired to do a few posts on the world of Hermès and some of their collaborations.
In April 2008 Citroen 2CV celebrated its 60th Birthday during the Paris Motor Show, to mark this special event they collaborated with Hermès to design a made to measure outfit for this lady.
The 1989 2CV 6 Spécial, painted in tan brown , the interiors outfitted all in the instantly recognizable Hermès Tan Leather with that perfect stitch. The seats are upholstered in Hermès beige cotton canvas and natural leather. As a finishing touch, the bonnet and interior trim at the rear of the vehicle also feature Hermès cotton canvas.
Elle est si belle! xo
Photos via ,
www.hermes.com
www.citroen.com
Hermes Leather Forever
Celebrating 175 Years , Hermès Leather Forever Exhibition shows us the beautiful company's long relationship with leather. The show is divided in 12 rooms which represent various leather collections including Travel, equestrian, accessories and handbags. Bespoke items from history such as items commissioned by the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson and a winged saddle apparently commissioned by a Japanese band. Most exciting for me is the Craftspeople from the Hermès workshop in Paris who will be present at the show, demonstrating the art of leather-working.
There is more , Hermès created four one of a kind versions of its Passe- Guide Handbag representing England , Scotland , Ireland and Wales as tribute to those countries. Christie's will conduct and online auction of the bags from 14th of May till 31st. All proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Royal Academy of Arts. They should make a special piece for the Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Hermès Leather Forever Exhibition
6 Burlington Gardens
London
W1S 3ET
8th to 27th of May 2012
10am to 6pm Daily , Late Night on Fridays till 10pm.
Admission Free
Sources via,
www.hermes.com
www.christies.com
www.parkandcube.com
A Fine Ride
I am no cyclist, barely know how to ride a bike but I appreciate beautiful design. If I had to ride a bike it would be one of these, my favourite is the Black and Copper Plated Madison Street, so elegant . Wish there was a little more info on the people behind this well crafted line of bicycles.
See Detroit is not all about cars and music. xo
All Images and where to order via,
www.detroitbicyclecompany.com
Dar Maktoub Essaouira
"There is a place where words are born of silence, A place where the whispers of the heart arise. There is a place where voices sing your beauty, A place where every breath carves your image in my soul." Rumi
Art dealer Dorothea McKenna's Elkon first encounter with this beautiful 18th Century Riad was love at first sight. Located in the the magical fishing town of Essouria, the riad was in total disrepair. Seduced by Essouria and its riad Ms McKenna bought it only after few days having arrived in the town. Whilst back in France she met a dashing designer named Salem Graasi who happened to be traveling to Morocco that following week, he went to see the riad and came back inspired , Dorothea hired him to oversee the renovation.
Inspired by such books as Arabesques by Jean Marc Castera, mosques and palaces of Spain and Morocco they sourced the best woodworkers, tilers and stone carvers and painters. Moroccan artisans are renowned for Zellige and Mashrabiya techniques. As you can see from the images the riad was completed to perfection, a creative splendor.
Today the riad is named Dar Maktoub (House of Destiny) and Dorothea and Salem got married. What a fantastic story Dar Maktoub indeed a labour of love.
Listen to : Golou Limma by Chaba Zahouania who is Algerian but thought the song was perfect for this story.
Sourced via,
http://www.architecturaldigest.com
Food is Art II
Maggie Austin started her career as a classical ballet dancer, then having been accepted at L'Art de la Patisserie program at the French Pastry School, Maggie trained with the best world renowned chefs and pastry champions learning the top techniques in this art using the finest of ingredients. She Graduated from the program with honors, after which was accepted for internship at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago , a Mobil Five Star, AAA Five Diamond and 10 time James Beard Foundation Winner that is recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the world.
Truly an Art, her Haute Couture cakes are just perfection, inspired by Edwardian Botanical prints, fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera, Flowers , textiles and more. They are lovingly made by hand at her Washington DC Studio, yes even the flowers are made from sugar, impressive. I have never seen such elegant and beautiful cakes, there are such perfection that you just want to throw yourself a party to have one made.
Just Splendid xo
All Images via,
www.maggieaustincake.com
Mechanical Splendor
1956 Jaguar DType
1960 Sebring Winning "Rat Race" Corvette
1931 Brough Superior SS80
1931 Duesenberg Model JLong-Wheelbase Coupe
1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet
1947 Italian Championship -winning 1933 Alfa Romeo 8c 2300 Monza
Selection of Beauties for Gooding Auctions
1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster
1995 MacLaren F1
1955 Austin Healey 100s DSC3
1927 BMW R47
Ferrari 166 Spider Corsa
1957 BMW 507 Roadster
1955 Bentley
1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet
1954 Jaguar XK120 SE
1954 Mercedes Gullwing
I got my love of cars from my father, he was mostly a Mercedes Fan and drove like he was in a Formula 1 racetrack much to the horror of most people, even more when he would put one of his children on his lap while flooring it. Us the kids we loved it, we would drive all over Europe and get to our destination in no time.
To me there is nothing like the beauty of Classic Cars, beautiful and elegant. There are so many that it took my days to do this post as I got completely engulfed into the world of classic cars it was so hard to narrow it down. It all started as I read about the famous Car Collector Auction House of Gooding & Company Amelia Island Sales that were a staggering $38 Million! The other well known of these Auctions are held at Pebble Beach and Scottsdale where they sold a 1955 Mercedes Benz 300Sl Alloy Gullwing for a record $4.6 Million.
Its fascinating and wonderful to see how many people still collect and appreciate the incredible history and craftsmanship of these classic cars and motorcycles. Just be aware once you jump in you may never be the same again.
Now which one should I bid on?
Sources and Images via,
Gooding, Sports Car Digest, Luxist, Driven Urban Daddy and TopSpeed