A Well Kept Secret-

Right in the heart of Paris, sheltered from time, steps away from theaters, best shopping area, near marvel of French gastronomy, exists a most exclusive "Hotel Particulier."  

This historical monument is one of Paris best kept secrets.  I walked right passed it several times without knowing what lay behind the gorgeous facade. 
I was recently invited for a private visit and was astonished by the details, beauty, elegance, and the blend of history, contemporary art, and modern design. A playful touch of design by Philippe Stark. A must read-book on Dior by a famous historian. 
A guest of  the nine apartments will enjoy services witch are personalized to the utmost detail, responding to every desire. 

Arrange a private tour of the Musee d'Orsay tonight? 

Enjoy a vegetarian souper cooked in by a three-stars chef?

No problem. 

I can not reveal the location, but I can share with you few pictures. 

Rotating Tower by David Fisher

Ambra Medda-Leaving Design Miami.

Ambra Medda, co-founder and director of Design Miami and its sister show Design Miami Basel, is leaving that fair venture this June. 

She announced her departure privately during the Milan Salone, where the Miami fair’s exhibition, "Design Vertigo," was staged. "In June, we will announce a new director". 

Ambra Medda co-founded the fair with Miami developer Craig Robins in 2005.

Ambra is an extremely engaging, intelligent, and focused woman with clear ideas of how she’d like to diffuse “Design” in the world, I am sure we will hear about her new career soon.

She certainly has the eye and the knowledge to bring the best and most influential pieces to us.

Timeless Fashion Icon-Lauren Hutton

"SO BLACK" the new Hermes-

"SO BLACK" is another almost impossible to get Hermes bag. Everything it is black, the lock, the box... In leather or crocodile. 

That puts me in dark mood!

China Club Hong Kong-

About a year ago, I was in Hong Kong where I spent an memorable time and met incredible people.
I went to the China Club where I had an outstanding lunch. 

The Art Deco-designed space occupies the top three floors of the former Bank of China building, and bring you to the the decadent times of Shanghai clubs of the 1930s.

It is owned and entirely designed by the entrepreneurial Sir David Tang. (As well as its sister branches in Singapore and Beijing). 

During the Cultural Revolution, the Club’s terrace was used as a platform from which Communist propaganda was blasted at the British playing cricket on the field opposite, but today’s China Club is a genteel place, full of old world atmosphere, and new world patrons – more than ten years after Hong Kong’s return to China, you’re just as likely to hear guests speak Mandarin as English.

Aurora Lopez-Raising Malawi.

I previously wrote a post about my dear friend, Aurora Lopez.  Aurora has created a necklace as part of her jewelry line, inspired by the children of Malawi and currently works with Madonna’s charity foundation “Raising Malawi.”

She has just returned from Malawi and wanted to share some of her personal photos of intense and emotional moments.

The gold, silver, and bronze tablet shaped pendants on natural leather cord are inscribed with the world “Mtima” which is “heart” in Malawi’s Chichewa language. All proceeds go directly to support the work of “Raising Malawi” which was co-founded by Madonna to bring aid to a country devastated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and poverty.  More than one million Malawian children have been orphaned due to this epidemic.

Aurora, I am so proud of your dedication!

Corto Moltedo-Collection Fall Winter 2010-

Gabrielecorto Moltedo founded his namesake brand, Corto Moltedo in 2004, specializing in his family’s tradition of manufacturing and designing luxury handbags. After earning a degree in Art History from New York University and a Master's degree in Communications at Emerson College, Gabrielecorto Moltedo moved to Paris and founded his own brand, Corto Moltedo, while remaining true to his roots with design and production headquarters in Italy.  Corto Moltedo controls and produces 100% of the collection in his own factories located in Scandicci.  In 2009, the Corto Moltedo flagship boutique in the Jardins du Palais Royal opened amongst similar minded artisans.  A study of modern luxury, the boutique exemplifies the 31 year old designers unique vision of cultural hybridity and everyday opulence.

www.corto.com