Affluent Page Magazine Presents 24.78 Carat Pink Diamond Expects Upwards of $27 Million

Just because a diamond is forever does not mean a diamond owner is forever.

After about 60 years of sitting in a private collection since Harry Winston’s hands were lightened of its heavy (24.78 carat) load, one of the world’s greatest diamonds will be up for grabs at Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels in Geneva.

The ring is the crowning item of roughly 500 exquisite lots to be auctioned on Tuesday, November 16, at the Hotel Beau-Rivage. The sale follows a three-day exhibition at the same venue.

The Fancy Intense Pink Emerald-Cut Diamond, mounted on a silver ring and flanked by two white diamonds, is expected to fetch anywhere between $27-38 million, according to Sotheby’s Press Release. But calling the ring “fancy” refers to more than just the price tag—its pink coloring was officially graded “fancy intense pink” by the Gemological Institute of America.

Since their discovery some hundreds of years ago in the mines of India, jewelers have coveted pink diamonds for their rarity as well as their beauty. In 2002, the much-publicized engagement of Ben Affleck to Jennifer Lopez via pink heart-shaped engagement ring brought more global attention to the rare gems. Unlike the Fancy Pink, the Affleck-Lopez ring weighed in at 6.5 carats, costing a reported $1.2 million. It, too, proved slippery in the long run: the engagement was broken in off in 2004 and Lopez returned the ring to Affleck, who then asked Harry Winston to sell it for him.

Diamonds are believed to attain colors by developing unusual distortions while created inside the earth. The distortion then affects the absorption of light to reflect a particular color.

Currently, the world’s most expensive diamond is the Fancy Deep Blue Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond. Weighing 35.56 carats, it sold for $26.2 million in December of 2008 at Christie’s. Sotheby’s Fancy Intense Pink Diamond is expected to surpass that price at minimum.

In addition to dubbing the diamond “fancy intense pink,” the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) gives it a VVS2 clarity grade, just three grades away from FL, or flawless. The GIA goes further to say that after the stone is polished, it could very well be given a new grade of FL.

This begs the question…after spending $38 million for one of the world’s greatest diamonds, how much does one spend on polishing?

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Underwater Sculpture Museum Debuts In Mexico

On November 27, travelers to Mexico will soon be able to explore the captivating underwater museum — the largest in the world.

The museum will feature a collection of life-sized sculptures, creating “The Silent Evolution.” A series that depicts the history of man from ancient Mayan civilizations up to today. These life-size figurines depict actual people, with realistic gestures and positions.

It  will be part of the National Park in Cancun. Four hundred sculptures have already been submerged in the Caribbean waters, off the Yuctan Peninsula in Mexico’s eastern state of Quintana Roo.

These magnificent sculptures will be available for tourists and visitors that wish to admire the originality, beauty and uniqueness of these works of art, while snorkeling or dive in the sub aquatic museum, as one of the many activities to do in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Not only can the underwater museum be seen while beneath the depths of the sea, but collectively the pieces also form the shape of a human eye when viewed from below.

The sculptures have been designed to be durable and will have no detrimental effect on the local ecosystem. The conservation of coral is at the forefront of many environmentalists’ minds. They are made of ph-neutral concrete, which will hopefully attract algae and marine life.

“It all happens rather quickly — within two weeks we will see green algae,” says artist Jason de Caires Taylor, who is in charge of the project. “Then within a few months, juvenile algae will appear and the project will progress from there.”

-Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Winston Churchill’s Car Will Auction For Estimated £250,000

The well-known vehicle used to drive Sir Winston Churchill will be auctioned off at what is said to be the best British auction venue–Brooklands. On December 4, the venue will have its third major sale, in which the Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe is estimated to be sold for up to £250,000.

The car was owned by Churchill during his 1944 and 1949 political campaigns. The vehicle’s exterior was retouched by Carlton Carriage Co., and has undergone restoration for an estimated £140,000.

With a green leather interior, black bodywork and a wooden dashboard, this historic piece is nothing short of a modern marvel. It also features a touch of cabriolet on the hood along with black Jaeger instruments that compliment the vehicle’s body.

With only eight created in 1939, four of which were destroyed in different circumstances. The model being auctioned is the only remaining model of the vehicle.

Although it is vintage, the car can reach 76 mph, and go from 0-50mph in 17.9 seconds. The car DB18 also utilizes a 4 speed gearbox and a fluid flywheel.

It has traveled from Germany to the UK and was once owned by an Iranian prince. This month, the car is being showcased in Brooklands Museum before its December 4 auction.

Despite its age, any car enthusiast who would love to ride in an exquisite piece of history should look no further than Brooklands. Although it may not win races anytime soon, the Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe’s history and class could make it the most valuable player in any parking lot.

-Affluent Page

Affluent Page Presents Embraer’s Phenom 300 Embarks on a 40-City Tour

Flight Options, a leading aircraft fractional ownership company boldly claims that its newest aircraft, the Phenom 300, literally “renders the competition obsolete”. ”The Phenom 300 must be seen to truly understand how it exceeds every other jet aircraft in its class,” says Jay Heublein, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Currently, the Flight Options team is on the road dazzling audiences with the 300’s unequaled performance and operational efficiency.  The tour, expected to last until mid-July, plans to hit such major cities as New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

“We are extremely excited to travel the country and show people first-hand, a plane that integrates exceptional performance and spacious comfort at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay for an aircraft of its caliber,” says Heublein. Some of the Phenom’s features include a spacious, lightweight cabin built to accommodate up to 7 passengers, the latest in advanced safety equipment, and a surprising $1,400 per hour rate, which creates an average saving of 25%.

For more info on tour dates, locations, and RSVP information visit http://www.flightoptions.com/phenom-tour.html

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents More Affordable Suborbital Space Flight

While Virgin Galactic’s first manned flight only took place this month, Lee Valentine, executive vice president of the Space Studies Institute in Princeton, N.J., expects that the cost of space tourism will significantly decrease in the next few years. At this weekend’s NewSpace 2010 Conference, he stated predictions that space travel will only cost $50,000 per seat by the year 2014. Currently, Virgin Galactic is charging $200,000 for a ticket aboard their SpaceShip Two, but their current company policy seems to embrace Valentine’s prediction having stated in the past that they have “managed to reduce drastically the price of getting to space and over time will reduce it still further.” In comparison to the first commercial space orbit in 2001 which cost millionaire Dennis Tito $20 million, their innovations in space flight have already managed to make space tourism more widely accessible.

However, should the novelty of space flight spur you to reserve seats sooner than 2014, Virgin Galactic is still accepting deposits for suborbital space flight. Since our last posting on the company, Virgin Galactic’s ventures into space have become less theory and more reality. Both ship models, the WhiteKnight Two and SpaceShip Two, had all systems evaluated during their 6 hour and 12 minute flight this July bringing the SpaceShip Two, a passenger ship, one step closer to commercial travel. On board, each passenger would have a clear view of the cosmos through two large windows, both overhead and alongside of seating, giving space tourist the option of remaining seated or floating in zero gravity. The ship boasts safety with a carbon composite construction and a new kind of horizontal air launch instead of a traditional ground launch. The new technique requires less fuel and allows for smoother landing.

And although the science of space travel limits amenities aboard the ship, Virgin has not abandoned their luxury style. As part of their deposit, aspiring astronauts purchase membership to “perhaps the world’s most exclusive club with privileged access to all aspects of the project as it progresses…from Astronaut Forums with Sir Richard Branson on his Caribbean island home or his South African game reserve to opportunities to tour Scaled Composites”.of new vehicles. For booking please contact one of the many accredited space agents across the globe or visit the Virgin Galactic website.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Bulgari Blue Diamond to Exceed $12 Million at Christie’s Auction

Fancy vivid blue diamonds have always been hard to come by, but this October, Christie’s will feature the largest triangle cut blue diamond ever to hit the auction block. Weighing in at 10.95 carats, the richly hued jewel is paired with a slightly smaller colorless diamond (9.87 carats) in a gold ring setting. In addition, the ring bears all the prestige associated with Bulgari craftsmanship. Founded in 1887, Bulgari has always created works of supreme refinement, and the ring exemplifies this mission. It should come as no surprise that the original collector considered the brilliant diamond and its companions the perfect piece to congratulate his wife on the birth of their first son in an age-old family tradition. Now on the market, for the first time in roughly 40 years, the diamond is already making quite a stir. According to Rahul Kadakia, Head of Jewelry for Christie’s America, “This ring’s exceptional quality, rarity, and size combined with the coveted imprimatur of the house of Bulgari make this upcoming sale a truly special event in the world of jewelry and one that is certain to make auction history.”

This generously set ring is expected to sell for over $12 million dollars, and in light of how rarely such gems are available to the public, this spectacular ring could sell for far more than the expected value. In December of 2008, the gray-blue Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond sold for $24,300,000, breaking the world auction record for any single jewel. Bulgari’s equally beautiful azure stone may be less sizable than the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond, but the ring’s composition highlights the best modern forms to come out of the 1970’s. The diamonds’ natural beauty is emphasized by their bold cut and their contrasting shades. The band’s minimalist styling is balanced with diamonds flush together. This is a piece that will never go out of fashion.

Although Christie’s Jewels auction will be conducted at their New York location, key items, including the Bulgari Blue diamond, will be on tour throughout September for international bidders.

~Affluent Page

Christies

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Piero Manzoni’s Achrome Piece Exepected to Fetch $2,902,650

During his short career, Piero Manzoni endeavored to create universal art that expressed the act of simple existence. Created in 1958-59 as part of a collection of Achromes that began in 1957, Achrome was one of Manzoni’s signature ‘colorless’ works that existed in opposition to the monochromes popular at the time. In order to construct these piece, Manzoni folded and stitched kaolin-soaked canvases, preserving the fabric’s own intent. Kaolin is a kind of clay often used in making porcelain and the substance stiffens the canvases into their final form. Through this process, each Achrome would form itself, removing the artist from the act of creation. By doing this, Manzoni hoped to create art that could appeal to viewers on a fundamental level. No longer part of the work’s formation, Manzoni became only an enabler for art.

This particular Achrome has been featured in print by Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, Museo Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía, and Karsten Schubert LTD as an archetype of Piero Manzoni’s art. In leaving the canvas blank, Manzoni removed the signifier from art. In Achrome, the canvas is not referential. Instead, it highlights its own form and its own potential. The piece expresses a sense of advent, waiting to become something more than itself. Certainly a post-war piece, Achrome redefines art and breaks from the traditional image. His works’ simplicity reflect the sentiments of both the Italian Arte Povera movement and the global trend towards Minimalism.

Along with several other works entitled Achrome by Piero Manzoni, Achrome will be presented as part of Christie’s Italian Sale on October 14, 2010 and is expected to fetch up to $2,902,650 as the highlight of the collection. Other lots that will also be on the auction block include Marino Marini’s sculpture Cavaliere which is expected to fetch up to $2,824,200 and Alberto Burri’s Nero Cretto which is expected to sell for$1,569,000.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Jay Kos’s Vibrant Navy Mink Peacoat Priced at $25,000

Since starting his company in 1996, Jay Kos has provided New Yorkers with expert tailoring and a unique splash of color. His inspirations vary, drawing from the excellent clothiers of Milan and London and from everyday objects, such as a theater’s vintage wallpaper. It’s a characteristic of his work that translates to his shop. In his Park Avenue store you’ll find the designer’s own creation, an alligator vest, next to the more traditional blazers of familiar English brands such as James Lock & Co. and Edward Green.

Kos believes that there is a “psychological importance to fashion,” and the clothes he makes reflect his need for expression. His pieces allow customers a chance to better define themselves and even unleash their inner Oscar Wilde. According to Kos, the kind of man who he dresses is generally “incredibly discerning, but he also doesn’t take fashion seriously.” Kos chooses to work outside current fashion trends, and while his works serve a more eccentric clientele, quality craftsmanship and fine raw materials make these garments ideal for any man seeking a touch more luxury in his wardrobe. The tailor embraces the same attention to detail typical to Savile Row but his traditional cuts are tempered with playful mediums like hand dyed leathers and peridot cashmere. In addition, Kos offers the experience and personality only a practiced tailor could provide. His clients trust his opinion from style advice to which hotels they should book.

This fall, the highlight of the Jay Kos collection is a navy sheared mink peacoat. A staple item for the coming season, the piece’s soft mink makes this an exceptional variation on the classic coat. Its deep blue fur is both fun and elegant, a perfect complement to any attire. The peacoat is available for $25,000.

~Affluent Page

Jay Kos
Jay Kos Blog

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Retro Revival: $1.5 Million Aquariva by Marc Newson

The fifties and sixties birthed the epoch of “La Dolce Vita,” heyday for Riva’s Aquarama speedboat. In a highly anticipated collaboration, Marc Newson has partnered with Riva and their official designers at Officina Italiana Design, to reinterpret the famous leisure vessel.

Marc Newson’s “Transport,” a post-war Italian influenced exhibition of all his major works, will unveil the reinvented Aquariva, a limited edition collection of 22 boats sold exclusively at the Gagosian Gallery. The exhibition will also feature a complete collection of illustrations and an interview by Louise Neri.

The Australian designer, well known for his broad spectrum in design, has made no exception with his latest achievement; Mark Newson’s aesthetic talent is fully evident. Skilled in both conceptual and constructional components, he used a wood-like, textile based laminate for the deck area. The material, which was developed in the first half of the twentieth century, is the predecessor of the fiberglass and considerably more durable than wood. Newson then upgraded the Aquarama’s original exterior with an anodized aluminum in the new Aquariva, a step up from traditional stainless steel and chrome brass. This lightweight material is rarely used for boats but attains a distinctive finish.

Carrying on the legacy of this iconic craft, Newson has managed to respect the DNA of the original design, yet he infuses the classic model with the latest nautical state of the art features. The Aquarama once defined Riva’s reputation as the epitome of style and luxury, and the Aquariva is no different. The evolution of such a classic is evident in Marc Newson’s impeccable design.

The revived and much anticipated Riva made its debut on September 14, and cost $1.5 million.

Riva Yacht

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Zadora Debuts $145,000 Enamel Guilloche Timepiece

Gemologist extraordinaire, Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof has introduced a new line of bespoke timepieces to his repertoire of remarkable jewelry. Each piece carries an inimitable cylindrical dial upon which a stunning embellishment, of one’s personal choice, is mounted.

Creator of some of the most exquisite works of art existent today, he has revisited the early evolutionary stages of the first public clocks, which once strictly served as instruments to the church and state in 13th century Europe. The 16th century marked the appearance of the first timepieces. These time-informing pieces of jewelry had a drum-like shape and were used to adorn the neck.

The historical concept inspired Zadora to create a distinctive 21st century timepiece. The Zadora Timepiece carries fragments of the original drum-like design and is combined with the designer’s exceptional inventive touch. The time is read-out on the side of the case breaking away from the standard idea that time should be advised through the flat uppermost surface of a watch.

The Zadora Enamel Guilloche Timepiece is crafted in 18-karat white gold. The bezel is set with white diamond details encasing a large green cabochon tsavorite center stone. A royal blue enameled guilloche disk contours the centerpiece, adding to the superb dazzler.

Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof learned his craft from the great Haida Indian artist, who personally tutored him in the art of metal and gold graving. His devotion to create such striking designs is coupled with his love of nature and great interest in Indian mysticism, which has inspired him to pursue his talent for gem sculpting and metallurgy as a full time profession. Having a background in working with Faberge pieces, his truly perfected skill can be testified by his years of practice. Such experience has placed him in the high ranks of custom jewelry.

The rediscovered timepiece is priced at $145,000.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Innovative, Standalone Zeta Fireplace for $10,900

When designing EcoSmart Fire’s top of the line fireplace, John Dimopoulos took inspiration from the best of science and art. The Zeta is a sleek, stand alone hearth for the modern home.  It’s eye catching; enough so to have won the Design Award at the Australian International Design Awards last year. Like all EcoSmart Fireplaces, the Zeta burns renewable bio-ethanol derived from plant products so as not to disrupt the delicate equilibrium of our ecosystem.  The denatured fuel breaks down into three clean products: heat, steam, and carbon dioxide. And while this offers the obvious advantage of being environmentally friendly, the more immediate benefit is a complete lack of soot.

The Zeta brings all these qualities to a new level. Named after the Greek letter for it’s elliptical shape, the piece uses materials unusual for a fireplace. Its carefully molded plywood body rests on a brushed or polished stainless steel base.   Inside the plywood frame rests a vent-less stainless steel firebox which limits the combustion’s size. As a final touch, the Zeta’s exterior is upholstered in the client’s choice of leather with colors including Ciocolatta, Nero, Ranch Hide, and Latte. Portable and able to swivel, the Zeta can adjust to its owner’s needs and easily improves the aesthetics of any room. It’s a hearth with the conveniences of furniture.

EcoSmart Fire’s freestanding Zeta fireplace is available for $10,900, but the company also offers grates that convert preexisting, traditional fireplaces into eco friendly, clean burning hearths. Designed by Paul Cohen, these grates are available in several streamlined styles, all crafted with rust treated steel that has been finished with a coat of black matt Teflon. Assuring that no heat is lost through drafty flues, these EcoSmart Fire’s products are perhaps the best way to heat a room, essentially making chimneys obsolete.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Mandarin Oriental’s Ultimate Escape Starts at HKD 8,388

Spa China, the country’s leading publication on health and wellness, recently recognized two of Mandarin Oriental’s branches in its review of the most exquisite spas in Asia. Mandarin Oriental’s Hong Kong was awarded the title of “Best Hotel Spa” and the Sanya branch was endowed the honor of being the “Best Destination Spa.” Andrew Gibson, Mandarin Oriental’s Group Director of Spa states that, “These are excellent achievements that are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our hotel spa teams.” Expanding on the company’s promise of quality, Gibson emphasizes that “Mandarin Oriental is dedicated to providing truly holistic and authentic spa experiences for [their] guests, and it is an honor for [their] hard work to be acknowledged in this way.” The luxury hotel group currently spans over 27 countries with 41 branches, each assuring the degree of supreme refinement that the Mandarin Oriental has come to embody.

The spa at Sanya provides clients with their choice of professional therapists and traditional Chinese treatments. A haven from the world at large, every visitor is sure to find services to their taste, from Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes to traditional tea ceremonies conducted by a Shaolin Kung Fu master.

In the same tradition, Hong Kong’s Mandarin Spa has gained international acclaim for its lavish facilities. The spa provides a distinct Ayurvedic sanctuary equipped with a steam room, Kneipp pool, and Vichy shower. For men, the hotel also offers The Ultimate Escape with rates starting at HKD 8,388. This program includes breakfast for two at Clipper Lounge, a wine paired dinner at Man Wah, one hour’s time either with the hotel’s spa or barber, and exclusive shopping privileges at the Mandarin Shopping Arcade where participants are invited to try the latest gadgets on the market. The Mandarin Spa will continue to offer The Ultimate Escape at the aforementioned rate until the end of this year.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Upcoming Events: Le Manoir’s Prestige Cuvée Champagne

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is holding its Prestige Cuvée Champagne Dinner on September 23rd, and while it may seem a little early to announce the event, Le Manoir’s events often sell out months in advance.  The dinner offers some of the finest Champagnes and will feature Don Perignon, Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame, Dom Ruinart, and Krug, brands that embody nobility and traditional craftsmanship. The dinner itself will be a six-course creation by Le Manoir’s very own Raymond Blanc and Executive Head Chef Gary Jones.

Raymond Blanc, completely self-taught, is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected chefs and the creator of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. His restaurant has earned two prestigious Michelin stars and prides itself on freshness.

Located in the Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, Le Manoir is renowned for its sublime culinary classes and gastronomic experiences, procuring over 90 types of vegetables and 70 types of herbs from its very own organic gardens. The gardens are expansive and lend the hotel a bucolic beauty. While the hotel offers 32 unique rooms, I would recommend the spacious garden suites which draw their inspiration from Raymond Blanc’s French heritage. The suites cost £990 a night and like all rooms at Le Manoir, their fee includes the hotel’s French breakfast, fresh fruit and flowers, Maneira wine, and a daily paper.

The dinner is priced at £395 per person and black tie, of course, is required.

~Affluent Page

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Spartan Luxury at the Newly Reopened Chindeni Bushcamp

Described by one guest as “a wonderful piece of Eden,” the Chindeni Bushcamp of The Bushcamp Company has always been a luxurious retreat, but recently, the picturesque tented camp has reopened with a touch more charm. A new multilevel deck takes advantage of its surrounding ebony trees in order to maintain a serene blend of nature and comfort in a location known for its romantic seclusion. From the deck, amateur explorers enjoy a spectacular view and are able to observe some of the over 60 different species of mammal that live nearby even after their guided expeditions are over. Overlooking the Chindeni Hills and a nearby lagoon, these lavish accommodations redefine the safari experience, exposing guests to the hundreds of different bird species that grace South Luangwa National Park.

The bushcamp’s tents have also been refurnished to provide a wood-burning pizza oven, hammocks, and open rain showers; overall a sublime way to experience South Luangwa’s exotic landscape. While there, guests can expect guided walking safaris and game drives both during the day and at night. Unchanged by tourism, South Luangwa embraces its natural beauty and has avoided the visitor centers and restaurant complexes common to other national parks in Africa. Considered the pioneer of the walking tour, South Luangwa’s pristine conditions allow visitors to experience “the compelling mix of excitement, fear, vulnerability, respect and awe” such proximity to nature offers. But The Bushcamp Company does not expect you to go without ammonites. With every expedition comes “the all-important-tea-porter” for a variety of refreshments.

The four room Chindeni Bushcamp is available for $4,720 a night in addition to the daily park fee of $360 and Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund charge of $80 per day.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents $1 Million Motorcycle V by Chicara Nagata Will Unveil in 2011

Function, aesthetic and countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship take form into one of a kind liquid-like creatures on wheels. Japanese artist extraordinaire, Chicara Nagata, takes dedication and inspiration to a whole new level; he hand builds a line of fine motorcycles. Nagata’s flawless technique and visionary designs are based on the concept of “traveling art”. Tokyo houses the atelier where he spends 7,500 hours passionately working. “I have found something on which I will pour my life, I do not know if I will make it to the end of the road, so all I can do is ride toward that place”; is the message he wishes to pass on to whomever encounters this ride.

A life-threatening motorcycle accident at age 16 would inspire extraordinary skills to manufacture these unique bikes. Chicara Nagata worked as a graphic designer for nearly a decade before he spent seven years to complete his first artisanal creation, which he began in the early nineties.

Chicara Nagata designs and constructs the frames, suspension, and steering components, then combines them with vintage engines and antique drivetrains. He assembles up to 500 individual parts on each motorcycle; no large machinery is involved in Chicara’s atelier. Delicately playing with the fine lines between art, design, and technology Chicara Nagata manages to balance the power of a motorcycle with the refinement and discipline of a classical sculptor.

Since 2000, he hand built nineteen motorcycles as part of the Chicara Art line. The first creation, Chicara Art I Classic won first prize at the 2006 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building and second place in 2007. The same year he won first place in the 2007 AMD Asian Championship in Malaysia. In November 2008, the “Chicara Liquid Chrome” Exhibit at the Ippodo Gallery in New York showcased four of his designs including his latest work, the Motorcycle IV priced at $1 million. Gallery director, Shoko Aono confirms the obvious “He is a genius, a super creator of an extraordinary motorcycle made all by hand. His motorcycles are absolutely brilliant: shiny like jewelry and liquid like creatures”.

Chicara Nagata is currently working on his latest addition. The Motorcycle V is expected to launch next year and will cost $1 million.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Bugatti Type 51 Expected to Fetch for €1,000,000 at Bonhams Upcoming Auction

“If Bugatti-worship were a religion, then the atheist Fitzroy Somerset, the 5th Lord Raglan, would have been its pope,” writes Andrew Roth in Lord Raglan’s obituary in The Guardian.

Bonhams’ has announced the sale of the 1933 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix, previously owned by the late Fitzroy John Somerset, the 5th Baron Raglan: patron and former Chairman of the Bugatti Owners’ Club and Trustee of the Bugatti Trust. The vintage automobile will auction at the Bohnams’ Paris Sale of Motor Cars, on February 2011. The Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysées, noted as one of the most impressive venues Paris’ has to offer, will house the awaited car event.

During the Crimean war, the 1st Baron, Lord Raglan’s great grandfather, was the General in command of British troops and has been ceaselessly linked to the unfortunate Charge of the Light Brigade, even though he is forever celebrated for his love of collectors’ motor cars’ especially Bugatti’s. . He once said, “my passion for Bugatti’s started when I was 18 and I have raced around the world.” Lord Raglan acquired the Bugatti Type 51 in 1979, and worked on its restoration over the extent of two years and a half, subsequently racing it for the next twenty years.

Following the steps of Ettore Bugatti and Earl Howe, in 1998, Lord Raglan was elected as only the third Patron of the Bugatti Owners’ Club in all of its eighty years of history, upon his retirement from an exceptionally successful period as the club’s Chairman.

The well-known auction house has offered a Bugatti owned by former Patron of the Bugatti’s Owner’s Club at one of their previous Parisian venues. A 1937 Bugatti Type 57S, originally owned by Earl Howe, sold for a significant €3.4 million in 2009.

James Knight, Group Head of Bonhams Motoring Department, says, “We feel privileged to have been appointed to offer these magnificent Bugatti’s with such well-known provenance. Lord Raglan will be forever linked to the Bugatti marque and his cars have only come to market following his death. They will undoubtedly attract a great deal of interest from collectors world-wide.”

The Bugatti Type 51 is expected to sell for an estimated €1,000,000 – 1,400,000.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Interview with Geoffrey Kent, Co-Founder of Abercrombie & Kent

http://www.affluentpageluxuryindex.com/featured/interview-with-geoffrey-kent-co-founder-of-abercrombie-kent/

Born on safari in Zambia, Geoffrey Kent’s life seemed destined for travel. So, it came as no surprise when Kent co-founded Abercrombie & Kent with his parents in 1962. Since then, Abercrombie & Kent has become the premier company for bespoke luxury travel. Affluent Page Magazine had the pleasure of catching up with Mr. Kent during his travels in Monaco.

What inspired the creation of Abercrombie & Kent?

Well, my family lived on a farm in the highlands of Kenya. Growing up there, my whole life was a safari. I basically lived in the bush, until I was 15. At the age of 16 I drove my motorcycle from Narobi, to Capetown – the first person to ever do so.

After high school, I joined the Royal Military Academy, and became a professional British Army officer. From there I joined the wonderful 5^th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guard. They were an incredible regiment – full of charisma and style.

So really, Abercrombie & Kent was inspired by my experiences of travel, style, elegance, and logistics.

Along with your parents, you helped found the organization; what can one learn when working with family?

Experience. My mom and dad instilled a wealth of great experiences. My father, especially, from his extensive trips through Africa. My son now is actually the President and COO of the company, but we are all different in our own ways. That is why we believe it is important to maximize our strengths, and learn from each other.

It has been said that every spot on the globe has been discovered. If that is true, how do you guarantee a unique experience?

Simple – do it differently. We have 62 global offices. Each one of our global office is run by the local country. For instance, South Africa runs the South African office; Australia runs the Australian office, and so on. We have applied this system, because they know their country better than anyone else.

Each office collects information, and then distributes it out to the customer. So, in actuality the office is a manufacturer of experiences for the clientele.

In addition, every global office has created 25 to 40, “Insider Access” programs – an experience you cannot Google. For example, one of the global offices offers lunch with local government politicians.

What should a man search for in a travel experience?

The most important thing is to have an experience that changes your life. We do not want to offer just another tall present, we want to change minds. Within that people look for a piece of mind, such as, “are all the logistics taken care of”. No one should have worry about the status of their luggage during travel.

Are there any countries that you have not established a trip within, that you would like to?

Well, the city of Gabon has incredible beaches, and wild life like gorillas and elephants. Perhaps, we could also be creating trips to space, with the technology in the next 20 years. Aside from that, countries like Bolivia, Columbia, and Vietnam have all recently garnered a lot of attention that interests us.

Could you please explain your latest innovation: Extreme Adventures?

Two years ago, I was racing Ferraris with some friends and thought, “there must be a way we can incorporate this buzz into our trips.” So, with Extreme Adventures we created an experience that provides the younger clients with that rush.

As the co-founder of the premier travel experience company, constant travel seems imminent.

Of course, we always make sure to test the experience for ourselves. If the trip turns out be worthwhile and the conditions are acceptable, we will create the adventure.

Is there anything you must travel with?

I never want to lose touch, so my Nokia Satellite phone is must. On top of that, I always joke that I bring my White Truffle Oil, because it makes everything taste better.

I have read that Abercrombie & Kent uses a biplane for one of their Kenyan expeditions.

Yes, the WACO biplane. There is nothing better than taking off on a strip in the desert and flying low against the landscape. I have never been happy with the ordinary. Honestly, I could think of nothing more boring than relaxing on the deck of a luxury cruise ship for days. I would much rather be in our Zambia Camp canoeing next to hippos and crocodiles, fishing for tiger fish, and walking with buffalo and elephants.

So, other than the WACO biplane, what are some of the other notable vehicles Abercrombie & Kent use?

There is our top-of-the-line helicopter, which has had the doors removed for an up close experience of a lion’s kill. We also have our MV ‘Le Boreal’ adventure cruise, which takes our clientele through the surrounding waters of Antarctica.

The Abercrombie & Kent is a wonderful organization. Can you explain the current efforts of the visits and travel?

Since, 1982 we have been involved with philanthropy. Each of our 62 global offices actually use a dual track – one for philanthropy and one for travel. The program is in place to help cultures flourish in education, environment, and heath. Through each program we have been able to create schools, conservation clubs, community cultivations, and tree planting services.

I will give you one example: when the cyclone destroyed much of the delta region of Myanmar, we were able to contact back to our clientele. In our collective efforts, we were able to fundraise over $540,000, which was immediately used for critical supplies. While most could not get through the “red tape” around the borders, we were able to effectively get supplies to the proper areas, due to our local Myanmar branch.

How can a man learn about himself through travel?

In the early 1960’s I use to personally run African safaris for families, such as, the Rockefellers. One of the men once told me that, “lying in that green tent at night, life becomes simple.”

Travel makes people more aware of where they came from. Secondly, travel gets people in touch with people; cultures in touch with cultures. It creates a 3^rd dimension of life, which produces a global understanding. I truly believe that if we, as people, were able to travel more, there would be far less issues in this world.

[Abercrombie & Kent]

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Porsche Design Makes Limited Production Advent Calendar for $1,000,000

The creative forces behind Porsche Design understand that the holidays are all about anticipation. And while others may be busy hanging stockings on the fireplace or baking cookies for good old Saint Nick, Porsche had something better in mind for their selective clientele. This Christmas the renowned car manufacture offers five Advent calendars of unsurpassed opulence. For each of the 24 days preceding Christmas Eve, the exclusive calendars unveil a new item from the Porsche Design collection.

The calendar itself is a very modern addition to any Christmas tree. Measuring 1.75 meters tall and modestly finished with brushed aluminum, it’s hard to believe just how much this ultimate gift entails.

While most of these Advent presents remain a surprise, its hard to imagine anything rivaling the 8.5 meter motor yacht that will be delivered at the client’s discretion. Designed by the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, the Motor Yacht RFF28 pairs the elegance of a teak sole cockpit interior with the high performance of a 525 horsepower Mercury engine. The craft reaches a top speed of 148 kilometers per hour and promises utmost maneuverability. Even alone, it’s sure to bring home some holiday cheer.

Also included will be a P’6910 Indicator in rosé gold and personalized kitchen. The watch, which was created in collaboration with Eterna, the long established swiss watchmaker, pairs chronograph functions with a purely mechanical, jumping digital display. Its stopwatch records up to a total time of 9 hours and 59 minutes. Equally impressive, the customizable Porsche Design kitchen promises the chic utility of contemporary style with the beauty of clean aluminum, glass and wood surfaces. Handle-less cupboards, multifunctional lights and a high-tech video-audio system perfect this sophisticated workspace.

The Porsche Design Advent calendar is available for $1,000,000.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Celebrate Nigeria’s Indpendence with Limited Edition Rolex Amosu Watch

In celebration of Nigeria’s 50 years of independence, Alexander Amosu has collaborated with Rolex to create a signature timepiece. Amosu, a young Nigerian entrepreneur, made his name in the mobile phone industry by launching one of the first ringtone companies in the UK. Since then, his company has expanded to provide some of the most glamorous custom phones using materials such as white gold and colored diamonds.

Under Amosu’s guidance, these limited edition watches reflect the business mongul’s pride in his homeland. The dial, which read “Nigeria Submariner,” displays the pleasing bright green and white of the Nigerian flag. When describing the line of watches, Amosu stateed that “This project has been months in the making. As a proud Nigerian, I wanted to do something special to mark this historic occasion and I felt that a luxury timepiece was the best way to do this… I wanted to create a timepiece that could be passed down from generation to generation, A legacy timepiece.” This variation on Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Submariner is certain to do just that. These commemorative pieces still provide all the qualities of the original including Rolex including a durable, virtually scratch proof ceramic bezel and a triplock winding crown that assures a waterproof seal up to 300 meters.

Reflecting the country’s 50 years and the importance of this Golden Jubilee, only 50 watches will be produced. The collection will be available 1st October 2010. Each watch will be numbered, and the first watch to be manufactured will be presented to the President of Nigeria. Watches 2 though 10 will be auctioned by phone and are only purchasable by noteworthy government officials and Nigeria’s elite. The remaining watches numbered 11 through 50 will be priced at £15,000 and may be purchased through Alexander Amosu’s website.

~Affluent Page

Affluent Page Magazine Presents Boca Raton Home on the Market for $22,900,000

Located in The Sanctuary, Boca Raton’s well regarded yachting community, 4101 Ibis Point Circle is one of Florida’s most eligible estates. Its grounds include over 600 feet of shoreline, and are ideal for outdoor entertainment. A poolside, vine-trellised pavilion shelters an outdoor dining area, and nearby, clay tennis courts invite guests to enjoy the expansive lawn.

When building the estate, Dan Swanson of Addison Development was mindful of the fine details that now distinguish it. Iron and glass filigree decorates the main entrance and invites visitors into a foyer defined by inlaid stone floors and pecky cypress ceilings. On the first floor, the library balances its academic aura with an antique stained glass window. The home refines the luxuries of day-to-day life. Even the family living area is complimented by a butler’s pantry and wine vault, assuring that the home is always prepared for last minute gatherings.

In total, the house includes 6 bedrooms, 8 baths, and 3 half baths, and for a touch of formality, the property gives women an elaborate powder room and men a professional, pub style bar.   Furnished and decorated by Marc-Michaels Interior Design, the home embraces the resort atmosphere implied by its Moroccan accents and the nearby ocean. As a result, the grounds is a veritable haven. With palatial comfort, the master suite expands over nearly half of the second floor and opens onto a waterfront balcony. Mirroring the main home’s exotic grandeur, the Marrakesh-style guest house is an intimate retreat. The extension includes a full kitchen and bar, cypress ceilings, terra cotta floors, and a fireplace. A world of its own, the cabana bath and full exercise room gives little excuse to leave the garden-side guest house.

Premier Estate Properties has listed the home for $22,900,000, a meager fee for such a luxurious estate.

~Affluent Page

64-Year-Old Macallan to be Sold in Auction to Honor René Lalique

By Valery Lopez • Jun 28th, 2010 • Category: News & Noteworthy

Celebrating 150 years of beauty, creativity and quality, Macallan is honoring renowned glassmaker and jewelry designer René Lalique by bottling and auctioning off a unique 64-year-old single malt whisky in a specially made decanter.

The one-of-a-kind decanter made by Lalique, features the ‘lost wax’ procedure, which has not been used for at least 80 years.  The contents of the decanter also represent the oldest Macallan whisky to ever be released by the distillery in over 186 years. The spirit features tastes of blood oranges, rosin, treacle and walnuts, cocoa chocolate, and peat smoke–a balance and depth of aromas which are often sought but rarely achieved.
The decanter is currently on a world tour where samples of the 64-year-old Macallan whisky are being auctioned in each city, along with two exquisite Lalique crystal pieces. The world tour will come to an end when the final full auction takes place at Sotheby’s in New York on November 15^th, 2010.

The price is yet to be determined, but it is expected to surpass the price of the second oldest Macallan–60 years–sold to a Korean buyer in 2005 for $75,000. All proceeds will benefit “Water,” the charity that has funded 2,300 fresh water projects and  brought potable water to millions of people in developing nations.

http://www.themacallan.com

~Affluent Page

The Best Suite East of Vegas

By Ethan Ampel • Jun 25th, 2010 • Category: News & Noteworthy
 



If you’re looking for the second-most expensive hotel suite in the country, check out the penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York. This luxurious suite definitely lives up to its $35,000-per-night rate. The sky-top palace covers the entire top floor of the hotel (4,300 square feet,) requires 850 light bulbs to keep the nine rooms properly lit and has 25- foot ceilings.

The suite also comes with a twenty-four-hour on-call butler, 360-degree views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty, a full bathroom made entirely of marble, and a guest powder room. The master bedroom’s Thai canopy bed is threaded in gold and sits only a short distance from the ultimate in relaxation-a private spa room and a bathtub with a chromatherapy option. Finally, to cap off the experience, guests are provided with a personal trainer/therapist and a driver for unlimited travel in their choice of a Mercedes Maybach or a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

~Affluent Page

[Four Seasons]

Mercedes’ New E-Cell: Electricity in Motion

By Andrew Seagrave • Jun 25th, 2010 • Category: Automobile, News & Noteworthy
 



Mercedes is taking the SLS AMG gasoline-powered Gullwing coupe to the next level. The E-Cell, Mercedes’  latest contribution to the “green” movement, is a lithium-ion battery powered rocket loaded with four engines that sit near each wheel and produce 526 horsepower while cranking out 649 pound-feet of torque. On a good day, the Mercedes prototype can do 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds, roughly the time it takes to roll down your window.

AMG engineers swapped out the old model’s wishbone suspension with multilink front suspension and gave the car ceramic composite brakes that help recharge the batteries every time the driver decelerates–which hopefully won’t be too often. Inside, you’ll find a sleek and sporty cockpit trimmed in black-and-white leather and Alcantara. Who doesn’t love Alcantara? The dashboard features a new center stack with a 10-inch touch screen monitor that controls navigation, climate and audio systems so that you can give the road your undivided attention.

According to the fine folks at Mercedes, the SLS AMG E-Cell price tag is expected to exceed the $183,000 gas-powered model, and should be available by 2013.

For updates and additional information, go to www.mbusa.com

~Affluent Page

Range Rover and OverFinch Partner with Holland & Holland to Offer Luxury Off-Roader

By Andrew Seagrave • Jun 24th, 2010 • Category: Automobile, News & Noteworthy
 


If you really know how to enjoy all aspects of your life, Range Rover, Overfinch and Holland & Holland have just the ticket. The three have joined together to create a $180,000 all-purpose sport utility vehicle designed to cater to the discerning off-roader who likes to get rough in style.  Only 100 of these high-end land marauders were produced, so before you decide to add this hard-core machine to your car entourage, you better be up for the challenge.

With a blown 503-horse power gasoline-V8 (or diesel TD-V8) under the hood, a spacious backseat console/fridge, and a liquor cabinet (filled with an assortment of liquor courtesy of Range Rover), it’s clear that this ride was conceived with the affluent outdoor man in mind.  In addition to the rugged body, custom interior and unique exterior trim, Range Rover has partnered with Holland & Holland to include two custom-made firearms built to match the vehicle’s trim and cabinetry, a hand-crafted gun cabinet, and luggage compartments for additional guns and ammunition.

See more of Land Rover’s collection at http://www.landrover.com

~Affluent Page

Embraer’s Phenom 300 Embarks on a 40-City Tour

By Andrew Seagrave • Jun 24th, 2010 • Category: Aviation, News & Noteworthy, Travel
 

Flight Options, a leading aircraft fractional ownership company boldly claims that its newest aircraft, the Phenom 300, literally “renders the competition obsolete”. ”The Phenom 300 must be seen to truly understand how it exceeds every other jet aircraft in its class,” says Jay Heublein, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Currently, the Flight Options team is on the road dazzling audiences with the 300’s unequaled performance and operational efficiency.  The tour, expected to last until mid-July, plans to hit such major cities as New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

“We are extremely excited to travel the country and show people first-hand, a plane that integrates exceptional performance and spacious comfort at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay for an aircraft of its caliber,” says Heublein. Some of the Phenom’s features include a spacious, lightweight cabin built to accommodate up to 7 passengers, the latest in advanced safety equipment, and a surprising $1,400 per hour rate, which creates an average saving of 25%.

For more info on tour dates, locations, and RSVP information visit http://www.flightoptions.com/phenom-tour.html

~Affluent Page

Maximilian Büsser & Friends HM4 “Thunderbolt” Watch Coming July 7th

By Andrew Seagrave • Jun 24th, 2010 • Category: Horology, News & Noteworthy
 



Maximilian Büsser & Friends are known for producing some of the most radical horological machines on the market. In just a few weeks, they’ll be releasing their newest and most intriguing timepiece yet, the Horological Machine Number 4, otherwise known as the ”Thunderbolt.”

At first glance, when you look at this exclusive image of the HMN4, you won’t quite know what to think. But after a more intense look, you’ll slowly recognize and be shocked to find out that the design was inspired by the A-10 Warthog, a classic military plane used by the United States Air Force in the 1970’s. Amazingly this watch has been under development for 3 years and is made up of an unprecedented 311 pieces.  This dream watch, which was specifically designed for Max Busser, founder of MB&F, will have two crowns–one for winding the watch and the other for adjusting the time.

Though we won’t see the full watch in all its glory–or know its price–until July 7th, it’s clear that much like their timepieces, ”MB&F has once again used their synergy to become much greater than the sum of their parts”. Stay tuned for updates.

~Affluent Page

MB&F

London Art Auction Expected to be Most Valuable Ever

By Valery Lopez • Jun 23rd, 2010 • Category: News & Noteworthy
 


A once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history has just arrived. On behalf of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, Christie’s department of Impressionist & Modern Art in London will host an auction featuring 63 of the world’s most famous works of art. Among those, Pablo Picasso’s Blue Period “Portrait of Angel Fernandez de Soto” (Absinthe Drinker) 1903, and Claude Monet’s “Nympheas” are both expected to sell for almost $60 million.  According to Christie’s officials, “this is the most valuable art auction to ever take place in London.”  The head of impressionist and modern art at Christie’s, Giovanna Bert, says that there has been a fierce international demand for “the rarest and best art in the world.”

In all, the entire collection of art being auctioned is expected to fetch between $240 and $340 million. Pieces by Klimt, Van Gogh, and Matisse are also being auctioned off.  The proceeds will benefit arts, culture and heritage in Britain.

~Affluent Page