Urban Life Magazine announces media partnership with Top Marques Monaco
For immediate release (updated 30/11/2012):
2013 marks a special year for Urban Life and Top Marques Monaco. Top Marques will celebrate their 10th year anniversary with the next edition of the show in April; whilst we start to prepare for ours the following year (Urban Life was founded in 2003 but first published in 2004).
Our respective and continuous growth, based on diversity and innovation, is testament to our enduring appeal amongst the jet-set elite who value and appreciate the best in luxury lifestyle. Urban Life is more than a magazine; it’s an attitude based on the lifestyle choices our readers make. Similarly, Top Marques is more than just a supercar show. It is a platform for some of the most creative minds in automotive design to present their wares to an eagerly awaiting audience and showcase the most exciting engineering advances in automotive technology, with safety, development and green technology at its core.
Top Marques also hosts a number of world premieres each year, thus setting the stage for the exotic and luxury car manufacturers to show their latest models to enthusiasts, buyers and collectors from around the world. And with the addition of the superboats and watches categories, it makes for a must-attend show each and every year attracting high-profile visitors from around the world.
“Top Marques Monaco is delighted to welcome on board our new media partner Urban Life. Not only will we both celebrate our 10th year in 2013 and 2014 respectively, but we both push the boat out when it comes to highlighting the most exclusive supercars, limited edition watches and deluxe objects for those who enjoy an elite luxury lifestyle. Top Marques reigns supreme as the industry choice for launching cutting-edge new models. Still five months before the event’s 10th edition four pioneering brands have chosen to world premiere their 2013 launches at this ground-breaking show. The only car exhibition where visitors can: See it, Drive it and Buy it. The exclusive extra is that Top Marques offers test drives on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit and this is just the beginning of our birthday announcements. Urban Life will keep you informed of our news. See you at ‘Top Marques Ten’ taking place 18th-21st April 2013 at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco” Steven Saltzman, Owner & Director – Top Marques Monaco.
As a media partner, Urban Life Magazine will have unique and privileged access to the latest news from all the exhibitors taking part in the show and will be featuring these across all our channels – print, online and through our social media outlets. We will also feature exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage before, during and after the event for our audiences in London and around the world.
“I am very excited to announce our media partnership with Top Marques Monaco in 2013. Ever since we first covered Top Marques in 2004, the year Urban Life was launched, I have always kept a keen eye on the growth and development of the show, which is now firmly established as the most exclusive and prestigious supercar event in the world. I am proud of my team’s achievements in the continuous growth of the Urban Life brand, and am honoured to be able to share the platform with such an illustrious group of our peers in the media from around the world. Furthermore, it seems quite fitting that we both prepare to celebrate our first ten years as we grow and expand into other niches, particularly with our move in to broadcast TV with a high-end motoring show, which we will announce formally in due course. My team and I are very excited to be associated with Top Marques and I am looking forward to working with Steven and his team, and together celebrate the best of luxury lifestyle in its spiritual home – Monaco” Ataur Rahman, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief.
Top Marques Monaco is held at the world-famous Grimaldi Forum in Monaco each year under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, its most distinguished patron and supporter. Yachts, watches and jewellery also form a part of the show, which enjoys the support of some of the most coveted luxury brands in their respective sectors. We are extremely proud to be a media partner of this exclusive annual event, and look forward to sharing this with our loyal readers and partners who have supported us over the years. We will be featuring exclusive articles with interviews in our Top Marques themed motoring pages throughout the year, as well as posting regular news items online. Please keep an eye on our social media streams for these.
For more information on Top Marques Monaco, please log on to www.topmarquesmonaco.com
ENDS
SIHH 2012 – Cartier Interview
Salon de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2012 – Interviews
Bernard Fornas, CEO of luxury jeweller and watchmaker Cartier, talks to CNN’s Monita Rajpal.
SIHH 2012 – Van Cleef & Arpels Interview
Salon de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2012 – Interviews
Stanislas de Quercize, the CEO of luxury jeweller and watchmaker Van Cleef & Arpels talks to CNN’s Monita Rajpal.
Montblanc – Collection Princesse Grace De Monaco
The Oscar winning actress Julie Andrews was honoured at a glamorous black tie ceremony hosted by The Princess Grace Foundation. The 29th Annual Princess Grace Awards Gala took place in the presence of T.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, in their first U.S. visit since their July wedding.
At the gala, there was a special tribute to the Montblanc Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco, as it was premiered in the US for the first time demonstrating Princess Grace’s enduring style and sophistication.
VIPs and celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Natalie Cole, Olivia Munn, Martha and Rufus Wainwright enjoyed a spectacular evening of food catered by Cipriani, with awards and dancing to DJ Clockwork.
All images © Getty
July cover shoot
Boutique Chic
The Westbury hotel provides a glamorous backdrop for our AW shoot.
Luxury fashion and jewellery from Bond Street’s finest…
Photography: Bernd Ott – www.berndott.net
Stylist: Joanne Black – www.joanneblack.co.uk
Model: Anela at M+P
Hair by Elliot Bassila at DWM using NAK hair care
Make-Up by Emma Osborne at Naked
Photographer’s assistants: Jerome Hunt and Michael Aveling
Location: The Westbury Hotel
All images © Bernd ott for Urban Life Magazine
London Jewellery Week 2011 – special post-show feature
Intro
So, after much excitement and a long build-up, the 4th annual London Jewellery Week has come and gone. With a packed schedule of events throughout the week, the trade, media and public had the opportunity to celebrate the capital’s collective effort in promoting the best of the UK jewellery sector. Established brands and upcoming designers showed their wares side-by-side, with many a rising star making their mark in this competitive industry. Expectations were shaky to start with, given that we are still under the shadow of a recession, but that did little to dampen the spirits of all those that took part. And, the jewellery industry did not disappoint. There were plenty of scheduled events and spontaneous activities to keep even the most discerning appeased. From open workshops to new collection launches, jewellery fashion shows and evening parties; it was indeed a successful week given the tough state of the economy.
Events
There were numerous events taking place throughout the week, which all had the aim of engaging the trade and consumer alike. Many of the specialist jewellery retailers hosted open evenings and Champagne receptions, as well as offering consultations and a behind-the-scenes look at jewellery making.
Some of the key events of the week included the launch of the Platinum Heritage Collection, sponsored by PureJewels, the Hatton Garden Festival and the Royal Exchange’s jewellery catwalk event. Other highlights included the Central St. Martins Jewellery Award in association with Cool Diamonds, the launch of Alex Monroe’s Chrysanthemum collection at Liberty and Swarovski Gems, with Nadja Swarovski hosting the Gem Visions trend presentations for 2012 to a select group of invited guests.
Fairtrade and Ethical
The issue of Fairtrade and ethically sourced goods and services across all industries have been biting at our collective consciousness for years. We’ve seen how small communities have been exploited for their coffee beans and bananas, and further up the food chain, precious minerals and diamonds. However, up til now, gold has pretty much remained under the radar. But thankfully change is afoot and the issue of fairmined gold is gaining momentum as the general consumer becomes aware of the cost of mining to the small communities digging deep for our insatiable appetite for all things gold. So to launch Fairmined Gold and Essence at the ethical pavilion at Treasure, curated by Cred, the Fairtrade Foundation celebrated the occasion by hosting a VIP reception. Raising much needed awareness of the plight of small artisanal miners from around the world, and helping to raise standards through Fairtrade and fairmined certified gold, this was a tremendous opportunity to meet with some of the miners in attendance benefiting directly and the jewellery designers making a difference.
Treasure
The designers showcasing at Treasure were a great mix of new and established names in jewellery. Over 120 designers and brands took part this year, which featured some great jewellery designs and concepts. Amongst some of my favourites were this year’s winners of the Treasure Designer of the Year award; Yunus & Eliza, showing some of their beautiful sculptural designs that have won them a big following from the movies and fashion circles. Others include Tomasz Donocik, with his fantasy collection, The Garden of Good & Evil. Jesper Velling, with his award-winning stunning vibrant colour diamond twist rings and Milena Kovanovic, with her clever use of vivacious gemstones inspired by by the natural world.
London Jewellery Week – designers
I have chosen the following stand-out pieces from each collection – two from each designer, which were shown at Treasure. They are accompanied by a short description from the designers themselves
Madhuri Parson
Yellow gold and multi-coloured sapphires peacock cuff bracelet
“Inspired by the national bird of India for its regal charm, this bold yet elegant bracelet is simply dazzling. 14-karat yellow gold handcrafted cuff bracelet set with sapphires and white topaz gemstones in black rhodium.”
Radiant sapphires and white topaz peacock necklace
“Also inspired by the national bird of India, this elegant statement piece is hand crafted in 14-karat yellow gold matte and high polish finishes. The necklace is studded with white topaz semi-precious gemstones and multi-coloured sapphires in black rhodium polish around the necklace. “
Tomasz Donocik
Water Lilly Pad Ring & Tinkerbell Pendant
Fine jewellery collection: “inspired by the paradox of the natural world, The Garden of Good & Evil fuses the sinister side of beauty
with the evident delicate snowbells with fluid moving cups that juxtapose Venus fly traps.”
www.tomaszdonocik.com
Jayce Wong
Capri Pearl earring & Capri Pearl ring
“Capri pearl ring & Capri Pearl Earrings set in 18k white gold, featuring Tahitian pearls, silver diamonds, blue sapphires and tsavorites
Inspired by all the coral print while on holiday in Capri, the pieces explore the different shades of blue, green and grey of the coral
and the iridescent of the Tahitian pearls.”
Regina Aradesian
Pendant & Ring: 18ct white gold, plique-a-jour enamel, diamonds
“My work explores the intricacies of the cellular world observed through a microscope combined with traditional Armenian patterns. The jewellery is formed from precious metals with transparent plique-a-jour enamels, which when lit from behind create the impression of tiny stained glass windows.”
Yunus And Eliza
The Dali Puppet ring: It is 18k gold plated silver, with enamel
“The Dali puppet ring is inspired by Surrealism. Its delicately elongated portrait snaking up the finger and over your knuckle is a fusion of Classical Goddess and Futuristic fantasy. The river of luxurious translucent black enamel hidden on the back gives it a bold decadence.”
The Goddess Pendant: 18k gold plated silver, with enamel
“The Goddess Pendant is signature Yunus & Eliza, instantly recognisable in its sculptural figurative decadence. Theatrical and with a nod to the darker side, the Goddess Pendant can count Helena Christensen as one of its fans. Representing strength, beauty and inner wisdom, the Goddess collection returns each season in evolving vibrant colours.”
Jesper Velling
Award-winning handmade platinum & diamond/pink diamond twist rings
Handmade diamond & black Tahitian pearl ‘Corona’ cufflinks
“The Corona Cufflinks are handmade using the same technology as the award-winning Corona Ring. Each cufflink features a 5mm black Tahitian Pearl in the centre surrounded by 15 2.5mm brilliant-cut diamonds (E/F in colour VS clarity). The Diamond Twist Ring is a handmade platinum ring, channel set with approximately 144 brilliant cut white diamonds, totalling over 2.75carats.”
Nada Ghazal
Matrix rings: 18k gold with 3ct diamonds
“Matrix is highly influenced by order. The order, which is another side I love, with the perfect parallel lines, the perfect stones and the shiny gold.”
Malak rings: 18k raw white and yellow gold with 8ct of icy diamonds. Brushed finish.
“Malak is inspired by nature. Expressed through the soft organic shape, the rough diamond stones are a combination of yellow and pure white gold, without a touch of rhodium.”
www.nadag.com
Milena Kovanovic
Coral Earrings – 18ct white gold earrings set with rubies and blue Andean opal cabochons.
Sea Urchin Ring – 18ct white and rose gold set with 0.79ct demantoid garnets and a 10.99ct Rubellite cabochon
“Dazzling arrays of vibrant gemstones set in 18ct gold evoke the kaleidoscope of colours found in our oceans. Inspired by this rich and varied underwater paradise, the one of a kind pieces in the collection capture a glimpse of this fast disappearing environment.”
Jig Pattni
The Kiss – white gold, black and white diamonds
The Orgasm – white gold, black and white diamonds
“I was inspired by one of my favourite artists, Eric Fischl. He painted the Travel of Romance 1-5, which I fell in love with in the mid-90s. The shapes dramatically symbolise the male and female interaction, through a journey.“
Natalia Schroder
The spike ring – 14ct green gold, aa-class Tahitian pearl
“The spike ring, inspired by the interplay of classic and contemporary elements in modern architecture and giving a new interpretation to the classical pearl jewellery.”
The orchid thumb ring – silver and gold plated
“The orchid thumb ring is inspired by the contrasts of the modern woman; aggressive but gentle, powerful but wise, sophisticated but Innocent. A soft, wild and untamed Flower with a fine touch of sensual erotica.”
www.natalia-schroder.com
Sonal Talgeri-Bhaskaran
Drama & Destruct necklace
“The Drama & Destruct necklace is my favorite from the new pieces, and defines my translation of tribal deco. It was actually inspired by Kali, the Goddess of time and of destruction. For me, this piece epitomises her and is my modern depiction of her as a fierce 21st-century warrior Goddess!”
LJW / Urban Life party
Event pictures from our party for London Jewellery Week, held at 141 Park Lane.
All images © Patrick Anderson for Urban Life Magazine
London Jewellery Week Special
This June, a week packed full of events will be taking place throughout the capital showcasing the best of emerging and established talent from the UK jewellery sector.
With plenty of activities and workshops being planned throughout the week, fashionistas and jewellery aficionados everywhere will get unprecedented access to designers and retailers showing off their wares to the trade and public alike.
There will be plenty of opportunities to meet with key designers and retailers – many of whom will be opening their doors giving unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the general public – as well as engage with, commission and buy direct from designers taking part.
Look out for our extensive coverage in the next edition in July; from the key events and VIP parties to award ceremonies, all taking place throughout the week. And of course we will also feature some amazing designers and their collections, so don’t forget to order your copy in advance!
In the meantime, we are running an exclusive competition for Urban Life readers in association with the organisers and sponsors of London Jewellery Week. Details and entry form on the opposite page to the right.
London Jewellery Week takes place between 6-12 June 2011.
For further information, list of participants and schedule of events, please log on to the website: www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk
And don’t forget, we have three VIP prizes up for grabs with our competition with LJW! Click on the Competitions link on the navigation above to enter online…
The Sport of Kings: Arnaud Bamberger and Cartier International Polo
It was always going to be the match made in heaven (forgive the pun) – the Sport of Kings sponsored by the historically world famous jewellery designer to the kings (and queens). When the collaboration first came about it didn’t arrive with too much fanfare but the Cartier International Polo event, which takes place every summer at the Guard’s Polo Club in Windsor, has become the biggest event of the international Polo calendar in the world, surpassing even the Mondialito event in the home of polo, Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2009 it celebrated its 25th anniversary and for the last eighteen of those twenty five years the event has been captained with typical Gallic flair by the Managing Director of Cartier UK (and French Legion of Honour recipient), Arnaud Bamberger.
We arrived in the office of Monsieur Bamberger, above the famous Cartier showroom in London’s Bond Street, to find him at his desk updating his World Cup chart with the results from the previous day’s football matches. It was immediately disarming to see him doing what many a student and office worker must also have been doing that morning and as we talked it became obvious that it was perhaps this touch of the everyman that has made him so successful at helming Cartier through the worst economic crisis in living memory. In retrospect it’s also perhaps fortunate that our interview took place on the day of France’s final group game in the World Cup and not after. As it was he was the welcoming, sophisticated and debonair raconteur you would expect of a man who had worked for thirty five years all over the world for one of the biggest luxury brand names around.
After so many years few people would refer to what they do as just a job or even a career. When you have been at the top of a company like Cartier for this long it’s probably more accurate to describe it as a relationship that seemed almost fated to happen. “I was never a great student”, Arnaud tells us, “I can’t really speak of a huge amount of university studies because it’s not there but I knew I wanted to go into business and I was always drawn to the luxury industry”. Despite this the young Arnaud soon found himself working in the marketing department of a multinational foods company in France. It wasn’t very glamorous but it was a place to pay your dues and his notable success drew all the right kinds of attention. It led to him being headhunted by one of the biggest luxury tobacco brands of the time, Rothman’s, and thus began the lifelong relationship with luxury brands that endures to this very day. “It’s funny because Rothman’s was once owned by the owners of Cartier [The Richemont Group] but at the time there was no
connection”, he says.
That connection began when, while at Rothman’s, Arnaud’s feet began to itch. This coincided with a heavy promotional campaign by Cartier in the French media. “Suddenly I saw the name was everywhere. The company had a young president at the time, Alain Domenique Perrin, and I saw him revolutionising the world of luxury by bringing a touch of it to the people – starting small with the world famous Cartier lighter. When
I saw what this guy was doing I said to myself: this is the type of person I want to work with”. In the end all it took was a simple and direct letter to the Cartier president to make that ambition come true. “I caught his attention”, he says, “and I started as the export director of Cartier straight away. He’s president no longer but he’s still a trusted advisor and the one that restored the brand back to where it should always have been. After working with him for so long he became one of my best friends, almost like an older brother”. Recalling the scene of Arnaud updating his World Cup chart earlier it was obvious that Perrin’s outlook had left a lasting impression on his long time friend…
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