Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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

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.

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

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