, ,

Diane de la Bégassière launches Miss D’s Luna Si Podcast–

Countess Diane de la Bégassière’s sense of humor and personal relationships are  key to the success of Miss D’s Luna Si Podcast and her eclectic roster of guest speakers. Diane discovered a way to leverage her innate sense of humor, inquisitive nature, people skills and eclectic roster of friends.  Former water ski champion, triathlete, jewelry designer and Manhattan PR maven, Diane’s joy of life and laughter has led her to this latest stage in her life.

“I finally figured out I have a face for Podcasting,” says Diane, “I know so many people with interesting stories to share, starting a podcast was a natural.”

12473709_448156685375045_193862400052127197_o

Diane with Edwina Sandys

Within just 6 months, Diane has hosted over 15 shows including internationally renowned artists, interior designers, authors, exiled aristocrats, entrepreneurs—all of whom have fascinating stories, experiences, and in some cases interesting behind the scene secrets to reveal.   The stellar roster of guests have included Edwina Sandys, granddaughter of Winston Churchill, artist and author;  Nadine Kalachnikoff, Russian Aristocrat, International Interior Designer/artist who recounts her early youth following her father’s exile from Russia and growing up in Paris surrounded by Dali and Picasso, and had her book report written by Ernest Hemingway,  and who overcame her learning disabilities and shyness through catering (Her clients included the White House and the British Royal family):  Patrick McMullan iconic NY Celebrity and social photographer, who recounts memories from a by-gone area including memories with Jackie Kennedy Onassis, David Bowie;  Rochelle Ohrstrom, artist and author of Ponzi & Picasso where she reveals the darker side of the art world;  Tarik Wildman who confesses he does everything (yes everything)  while flying a plane; and Harry Hurt III author of 7 books and writer for NY Times and Texas Monthly.

“What I love the most of what I do is what I learn about my friends I never knew!  In this day and age, we don’t spend enough time asking questions, we’re too busy moving on to the next.  I love sitting my friends down and developing a conversation in a friendly, casual and comfortable setting, and understanding what led them to be who they are now,” says Diane de la Begassiere.

To hear Diane’s podcast interviews log on to missdslunasi.com

She can also be found on             Facebook:           https://m.facebook.com/MissDsLunaSi/

iTunes:                 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/miss-ds-luna-si/

/by
, , ,

Jane Holzer and Susan Lloyd host exhibit and book-signing for Internationally Renowned photographer, Baron Christophe von Hohenberg at The Silver Fund on Worth Avenue

Another Planet’ and ‘Andy Warhol-the Day the Factory Died’ Capture a By-gone Era

 Jane Holzer and Susan Lloyd revisited a by-gone era by co-hosting  an exhibit and book-signing by internationally renowned photographer, Baron Christophe von Hohenberg.  The celebration took place on Thursday March 10th at The Silver Fund , an exceptional gallery which has complemented Worth Avenue with treasure troves of exquisite collections of 20th century silver and design.  New York photographer, Patrick McMullan flew to Palm Beach to capture the moment.

Von Hohenberg, who had just returned from an exhibit in Vienna, where he ‘sold out’ his collection, did not expect the immediate success of this last minute show.  Referring to his books as “reliving of celebrated times immortalizing models, artists, designers, musicians, gallerists, and other icons who reigned in New York during the Seventies and Eighties”, von Hohenberg was on hand to sign his two latest books “Another Planet” and “Andy Warhol, the Day the Factory Died”.  Two photographs from von Hohenberg’s ‘Nude with Wookie” series were framed, displayed and sold within the first 20 minutes to a Palm Beach collector.

 

vonHohenberg for blog

 

Over 100 invited guests paid tribute to Von Hohenberg’s unique style of cataloguing popular culture.  Many of who came to find themselves portrayed in his books and return to those moments illuminated by his photography, which has been featured in publications as wide ranging as Interview, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Fortune, German and French Vogue, and German Rolling Stone.

“It was so great to see so many faces and friends after more than twenty and even thirty years!  I relived so many moments and shared so many memories because of this opportunity.   Thank you Jane, Susan and the Silver Fund for this opportunity,” said Baron von Hohenberg.

In addition to Jane Holzer and Susan Lloyd, the eclectic roster of collectors, artists, gallery owners, Broadway producers and members of Royal families included Earle Mack, Terry Allen Kramer, Carlos Morrison, John Loring, Felicia Taylor, Mai Harrison, Fran Weisler, Elizabeth Thompson, Fran Weisler, Countess Diane de la Begassiere, Princess Maria Pia de Bourbon-Parme, Karin Luter, Talbott Maxey, Matthew Eames, Baroness von Oppenheim, Kenneth Walker, Felicia Taylor, Mark Goldschmidt  and Jim Pappas.

15_6359329521098850002051510_30_SILVER_20160310_PM_021

The Silver Fund Team

Michael James and Jason Laskey from The Silver Fund spared no expense, inviting popular vocalist Racquel Williams to perform during the reception.  Chris Nolan, of Spirit of the Tsars, offered guests complimentary tastings of his rare ultra-premium Golden sipping vodka.

In his book, Another Planet: New York Portraits 1976 – 1996 Von Hohenberg lived and photographed when the giants of fashion, art and society rubbed elbows with drag queens and addicts in clubs like the legendary Studio 54. The book contains portraits of personalities like Allen Ginsberg, Julian Schnabel, Cornelia Guest, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to name just a few.

 

In Andy Warhol: The Day the Factory Died, Christophe documented Andy Warhol’s Memorial Service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 1, 1987. His photos from that day, stand as a time capsule published to  mark the twentieth anniversary of Andy Warhol’s death.

awdayfactorydied

BOOK-COVER-OKClick here to view more pictures of the fun filled recption on Altima Gallery

Click here to view all the pictures captured by Patrick McMullan

 

/by
, ,

PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY GOLF CLUB TO BE AUCTIONED BY “MR. PETERMAN” TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The American Cancer Society Island of Palm Beach Unit announced that John O’Hurley, best known as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, will be the host of the 48th Annual 19th Hole Club on March 21 and will perform his one-man show A Man with Standards to benefit the organization on March 20. O’Hurley, the multi-talented star of stage and screen, will be performing his show one night only at The Colony in Palm Beach on March 21 at 6:00pm exclusively to benefit the American Cancer Society.

In a case of life imitating art imitating life, “Mr. Peterman” (portrayed by actor John O’Hurley) will be conducting the auction of one of President John F. Kennedy’s golf clubs to benefit the American Cancer Society on March 21, 2016 at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

index

1index

Fans of the NBC hit Seinfeld may recall the 1996 episode where the character “Elaine” bids on President John F. Kennedy’s golf clubs at the Sotheby’s auction for her boss “Mr. Peterman.” Fast forward to the American Cancer Society’s 48th Annual 19th Hole Club presented by the Addison Hines Charitable Trust where, in a twist of fate, “Mr. Peterman” will play auctioneer and will be offering JFK’s MacGregor wedge golf club to the highest bidder.  Making its highly anticipated debut at Trump International Golf Club, the annual 19th Hole Club event will take place on Monday, March 21, 2016, 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

In keeping with tradition of the 19th Hole Club, the early evening social event will include various golf challenges (longest drive, putting challenge, chipping contest) and will culminate at an Awards Reception with exquisite food stations on the Club terrace overlooking the magnificent 18th hole. Hosted for the past 47 years by numerous PGA TOUR pros, previous hosts include Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, Davis Love III, Ian Baker-Finch, and all-time golf great Jack Nicklaus, to mention a few.

The golf club to be auctioned is labeled “58 – “59, JFK Palm Beach (1-11-1968)” and will be on public display at the Golfino store at 150 Worth Avenue in Palm Beach March 12 – 20, 2016. The club is expected to be the highlight of the live auction at the event on March 21. Other auction items will include the opportunity to see O’Hurley as “Billy Flynn” in Broadway’s Chicago in Chicago, complete with dinner hosted by O’Hurley following the performance; a 2014 Ryder Cup pin flag signed by all 16 USA Team members including Vice Captain Raymond Floyd, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mayhan, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker and Tom Watson the Captain of team.

JFK Golf Club Head

In addition to hosting the 19th Hole Club, O’Hurley will present his one-man show A Man With Standards at a one-night only performance to benefit the American Cancer Society on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 6:30pm in The Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

Has cancer invaded the life of someone close to you – a family member, friend or neighbor? If you’re ready to join the fight against cancer, save the dates and plan to attend this year’s 19th Hole Club event and exclusive John O’Hurley performance to support the American Cancer Society mission.

Tickets and sponsorships start at $350 and are available by calling Candi Spitz at 561.655.3449.

/by
,

HRH Prince Michel of Yugoslavia Invites You on a 3-Part Journey through His Camera Lens

HRH Prince Michel of Yugoslavia is the grandson of the last King of Italy and of the last Regent of Yugoslavia. He was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, educated in Gstaad, Switzerland at Ecole Marie-José, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the world, and has lived in Palm Beach, Florida as a real estate broker for Sotheby’s International Realty. He currently resides in Geneva, Switzerland and works at Diligence as a Senior Advisor. One could say the Prince has lived a colorful life with his background. HRH invites you to join him on a 3-part journey which reveals the Prince’s family memories and inspirations through his camera lens. This Spring, His Royal Highness Prince Michel of Yugoslavia will share personal photographs of his ancestral roots during an exclusive showing at ArtDynasty Gallery at 23 Grand Rue, Geneva. 

 

Above: The first exclusive interview in French on Swiss Dragons’ Blog: ‘’Le Prince Michel de Yougoslavie nous accueille chez lui afin de partager sa passion pour la photographie et la source de son inspiration.’’ (“Prince Michel of Yugoslavia welcomes us to his home to share his passion for photography and the source of his inspiration.”)

6

7

Screen Shot 2016-02-29 at 11.46.55 AMRue de Belgrade

Screen Shot 2016-02-29 at 11.47.12 AMPalais Royal

www.micheldeyougoslavie.com

/by

Christophe von Hohenberg Heads to Palm Beach After Success in Vienna

After a sell out exhibit in Vienna, Christophe von Hohenberg, author and photographer known for capturing and documenting a by-gone era in his two acclaimed books – Andy Warhol- The Day the Factory Died and Another Planet – New York Portaits – 1976 – 1996 will make a special appearance at The Silver Fund in Palm Beach beginning of March during a private book-signing. Iconic photographs will be also be on exhibit and available for purchase.

As well known curator, art adviser, writer and cultural historian, Charlie Scheips said: “Christophe von Hohenberg’s photos from that day, as well as the other documentary evidence collected here, have frozen a moment in time. The Day The Factory Died is a time capsule that we published making the 20th anniversary of Warhol’s death.  Von Hohenberg’s Photograph’s are mementos of an era and a celebration of Warhol’s peculiar role and enormous influence in those times.”

Christophe von Hohenberg is a renowned portrait, documentary, and lifestyle photographer. Splitting his time between Mexico City and New York City, von Hohenberg’s has had two shows at the MOMA Museum in New York and featured in American Vogue, Art Forum, Vanity Fair, German Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Fortune, and French Vogue, as well as art galleries and private collections around the globe.  For more information regarding his book-signing, please email maribel@altimapalmbeach.com 

2index

unnamed2

Screen Shot 2016-02-18 at 1.02.41 PM

 

/by
,

Equestrian Profile: Around the World with Lourdes de Guardiola

Grace, style, and commitment are three words that sum up Wellington native, Lourdes de Guardiola, not only to detail how she carries herself, but also to describe who she is as a jumper, trainer and mentor. Living out her passion, she travels the world competing and training for renowned shows such as the Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show, Global Champions Tour, and the Wellington Equestrian Festival. All the while, running a show jumper training and sales business with her husband, Michael Morrissey, and parenting their son, Lucas. The moment you meet her, you will soon realize that there is something truly special about Lourdes. As Alexis Posada TeStrake, longtime friend puts it, “Lourdes is a total chameleon; can go from fishing with a bunch of Cubans to the stables with the people she works with, to the horse show scene to fashion week to the black tie and is 100% at home in each of these scenarios.”

– Altima: How old were you when you first started riding?
– I first started riding around the age of 4 because my parents had horses at our house in Wellington. I think they felt safer if I was on a pony, so they bought my brother, Alex, and I two ponies from a local farm on 441 for $200 each. My mother, growing up in Buffalo had always dreamt of having a pony. My father George, had ridden and jumped when he was younger growing up in Cuba, and it passed through to me. My brother thinks they’re nice to look at, and that’s about as far as he got!

– Altima: What inspired you to start riding?
–  I’ve had some great trainers help me through my riding career, but every time I sit on a horse I think of Ronnie Mutch. He was a legend. I was very fortunate to have him teach me when I transitioned from ponies to horses.  He taught me feeling and connection. Every time I pick up my reins I hear his voice, and it pushes me to always dig a little deeper.

– Altima: Where do you get your inspiration before a competition or while teaching?
– I really love to teach, and I also believe this comes from Ronnie.  He would stand next to me for  hours, describing every last detail about how the horse should feel in your hands and legs, how every turn should ride, how your shoulders help the horse create the best jump it can have.  When teaching my students, I feel that explanation is the key to growth. Telling someone they are wrong does not help them to make it right. But explaining, demonstrating, and patience usually leads to furthered success.

Screen Shot 2016-02-18 at 12.06.35 PM

I am also very passionate about teaching horses to become the best horse they can be. Not all will jump the Olympics, but they all have a top potential, and I really like finding that. I thoroughly enjoy doing my “homework” at the farm and then taking the horse to the show for the “test”. It is very rewarding to see your hard work turn into success.

And of course there are bumps along the way, but that is what makes me want to work harder and overcome them.

– Altima: What events have you participated in this season?
– This season I will be spending October through April in Wellington. My husband, Michael Morrissey, and I run a show jumper training and sales business. This winter is exciting because there are now multiple show venues, within an hour from Wellington, that provide top show jumping competition. We will both compete and train at the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Wellington Masters, and the Global Champions Tour that kicks off in South Beach in April. I will then be traveling to Europe to train at the Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show in St. Tropez, and then follow most of the Global Champions Tour competitions, including Cannes, Monaco, Paris and Rome. My husband will be taking his string of jumpers to Traverse City for the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival and then back east for the American Gold Cup in North Salem, NY.

– Altima: Which competition do you look forward to watching this season?
– This year feels very exciting in our world of show jumping because it is an Olympic year. Many of the top riders have been planning their last four years around the Olympics. It’s great to see riders, coaches, managers, all digging in deep, to become the best in the world.  These are the years in which we learn and grow, being able to study the greats in our sport, all aspiring to be at the top.

IMG_2327 copy

– Altima: What does your free time look like?
– When Michael and I do have free time, we spend it with our son Lucas. He’s 11. He does not have that riding bug that Michael and I inherited, although like my brother, enjoys our horses and our sport. As a family we are fortunate enough to travel the world, eat at amazing restaurants, and enjoy our life and our passions.

IMG_1475

/by
,

Over $1 Billion Worth Featured at International Boat Show, Camper & Nicholsons International

A show featuring over $1 billion worth of boats,  yachts  and accessories, is a show worth attending. The 31st Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show perfectly docks itself along West Palm Beach’s world renowned Intercoastal Waterway, boasting incredible views of the city skyline on one side and the pristine island on the other. In addition to the inventory of breathtaking yachts and powerful watercrafts, the show will feature several special events and seminars celebrating all-things water related.

Camper & Nicholsons International, luxury yacht purveyor, teases us with one of their most coveted features this year:

STAR

index3

The Details:
– Builder: Kingship Marine Limited
– Accommodation: 12 guests in 5 cabins
– Crew: 8
– Year: 2012 / 2014
– Cruising speed: 10 knots (approx)
– Max speed: 14 knots (approx)

index2
– Material: Steel
– Engines: 2 x CAT 750HP
– Length: 41.9m/137′ 5″
– Beam: 8.4m/27′ 6″
– Draft: 2.6m/8′ 6″

index4
– Flag: Cayman Islands
– Designer: Vripack
– Class: Lloyds 100 A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6
– New paint, Dark Blue Awlgrip hull & Matterhorn White superstructure
– Interior refitted with new Italian furniture, curtains, marble & wood flooring replacing carpeting in main and upper salons, new carpet in all staterooms

To set up a personal tour of Camper Nicholson’s superyacht, kindly contact

Fernando Nicholson  Fnicholson@camperandnicholsons.com

For more information about the Palm Beach International Boat Show and participating vendors, visit:

http://www.showmanagement.com/palm-beach-international-boat-show-2016/event/

/by
, ,

Absolutely Coco for the New VIP Polo Lounge

As if the International Polo Club Social Scene wasn’t seductive enough with the overflowing  glasses of champagne, chic and colorful fashion flooding the field during the divot stomp, and the talented players and horses…a new attraction just rolled up. This time in the shape of a luxury 1964 vintage, red double decker bus, officially known as the Coco Polo Lounge. Sponsored by Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, Josh Sagman & Associates, and Aaron’s Catering of the Palm Beaches, the VIP experience is limited to 50 seats every Sunday from January until April.

12485934_996448590398115_5900396331368556004_o

For $225 per person ($245 during March and April), guests receive early entry with a champagne welcome, preferred seating, a custom charcuterie board, complimentary valet, unparalleled service at the International Polo Club Pavilion Brunch, and a Swag Bag with products and gift certificates from Worth Avenue retailers, NYY Steak, and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. Attending as a couple? Coco Polo has a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot waiting for you!

XX, Josh Sagman, and Vanilla Ice at IPC Coco Polo Lounge

unnamed

Tickets available at internationalpoloclub.ticketleap.com
or please call 561-792-9292 for parties of six or more.
Photos taken by LILA Photo.
/by
, , ,

Visit Havana as an insider, meet the artists and experience the reason behind the ‘buzz’ …



If you want to plan a trip to Cuba to experience the art and culture first-hand, CNN recommends Havana VIP Tours which produces customized private 5-star itineraries. Havana VIP Tours can create a trip appropriate to the level of luxury you require, whether that is renting a private mansion on the water in Havana with a full staff, chartering a 120-foot yacht to tour the island, or just renting a room from a retired local to get a feel of Cuban life – all while complying with U.S. Government regulations governing legal travel to Cuba. As seen on PBS NewsHour, Havana VIP Tours concierge-style services include guided private day-long “Art Safaris” produced in conjunction with ARTempoCuba where you will visit artists’ studios and galleries accompanied by one of their curators. Havana VIP Tours provides daily recommendations and reservations for lunch, dinner and nightlife to allow you to experience the very best that Havana and Cuba have to offer, without worrying about the logistics.

Cuban Artist working in private studio.

Cuban Artist working in private studio.

One of the top reasons to visit Cuba right now is the art. It is raw, authentic, and revealing of the rich yet tumultuous history of the little island. With some of the world’s best art being discovered in Cuba, collectors are flocking to get a piece of the prodigious creations priced much less than the market-driven world standards. Cuban-born Maribel Alvarez and her boyfriend Jim Pappas, developer and avid art collector, could not believe they did not have Cutting Edge Art in Havana during their last visit to Havana’s bursting arts and culture scene.

 

"Cutting Edge Art in Havana" as featured in ELLE Magazine, January 2016

“Cutting Edge Art in Havana” as featured in ELLE Magazine, January 2016. Available on www.amazon.com

Maribel Alvarez reading through "Cutting Edge Art in Havana" while preparing for her next trip hosted by Havana VIP Tours and ARTempoCuba. Photographed with work by featured mixed media artist, Kadir Lopez.

Alvarez reading through “Cutting Edge Art in Havana” while preparing for her next trip hosted by Havana VIP Tours and ARTempoCuba. Photographed with mixed media artist, Kadir Lopez.

 “The top Cuban contemporary artists all work with ARTempoCuba, including my favorite Kadir Lopez, who documented our family legacy in his signature CUBE” says Alvarez. 

ARTempoCuba “Art Safari” tours and their Cuban Contemporary Art book, Cutting Edge Art in Havana, are already in demand by collectors worldwide. The catalog profiles more than one hundred Cuban artists in Havana, from internationally recognized artists to fresh faces, their biographical backgrounds, images of representative works, and contract information. ARTempoCuba, a collaborative of Cuban and American Art historian, curators and specialists, donates a portion of the proceeds to the artists encouraging production and exhibition of new works. The book is filled with detailed maps to allow you to visit the artists’ studios directly and even nearby place to have authentic Cuban cuisine and drink. The guide book fits right in your pocket and is accessible during anytime of your trip.

“If you are planning a trip to Cuba to see art, this book is a must!”
– Renowned collector of Cuban art, Howard Farber of the Farber Collection of Cuban Contemporary Art

Havana Monopoly Artist: Kadir Lopez Year: 2014 Materials: Mixed Media on Aluminum Dimensions: 150 x 150 cm

Havana Monopoly
Artist: Kadir Lopez
Year: 2014
Materials: Mixed Media on Aluminum
Dimensions: 150 x 150 cm

 

From the series "Mi arca I" (My Arc I) Artist: Rubén Alpízar Year: 2014 Materials: Acrylic on Wood, metal and Plastic Dimensions: 68 x 94 x 14 cm

From the series, Mi Arca I (My Arc I)
Artist: Rubén Alpízar
Year: 2014
Materials: Acrylic on Wood, metal and Plastic
Dimensions: 68 x 94 x 14 cm

 

Sample-Page

Sample Artist Profile in “Cutting Edge Art in Havana”.

 

For more visit www.HavanaVIPtours.net and www.ARTempoCuba.com.

Click here to purchase “Cutting Edge Art in Havana” on Amazon.com

/by
, , ,

Architecture meets Agriculture in Robert Farrell’s Award-Winning Metal Art for the benefit of ‘Head to Toes’

Robert Farrell is committed to the importance and relevance of objects created with a Craftsman’s own hands.  His intricate sculptural and table-top metal pieces are primarily one-of-a-kind and are created in his one-person studio.  Farrell’s most recent body of work includes wall pieces, toys, and buildings designed to evoke an emotional response or a memory from the viewer.

Along with Farrell’s commitment to his art, he returns to the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show this year with a wonderful pledge to benefit three local non-profit organizations in a major fashion.  He will contribute 15% of the proceeds from any piece over $6,000 sold at the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show to benefit three non-profit organizations selected to be part of the VIP “Head to Toes” event which are the Center for Creative Education, Glades Academy Foundation, and Shuzz Organization.  Farrell joins over 50 other artists at the Palm Beach Fine Craft Show who have selected pieces to appeal to collectors and committed a percentage of the proceeds to the “Head to Toes” effort. Categories include glass, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, as well as mixed media, fashion, jewelry, and more.

bridgeedit for blog

 

The 13th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show takes place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center February 26th through 28th.  The highly curated Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, voted number one in the nation by Art Fair Source Book provides an opportunity for interactive dialogue with the artists themselves for avid collectors as well as those looking for an introduction to beginning a personal collection.  Jury Members have reviewed a record number of artist’s submissions from all across the U.S.   For more information and to sign up for updates, please go to www.craftsamericashows.com

Tickets will be available for sale beginning January 2016 through the website.  Show hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.   Sunday hours are from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

 

 

 

/by