The Silver Fund celebrates its 6th year at Masterpiece London, June 29-July 5
Masterpiece London launched in 2010 with a unique focus on cross-collecting. Over the past seven years it has established itself as the leading international event for viewing and buying the finest works of art, from antiquity to the present day. This fusion of heritage and style, tradition and the contemporary draws close to 40,000 visitors each year for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London.
Located on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Masterpiece is an unmissable event at the height of the capital’s summer arts season.
Masterpiece offers a diverse range of exhibitors and their treasures, as well as dining at some of London’s finest establishments within the fair including Le Caprice, The Ivy, and Scott’s... all against the backdrop of Christopher Wren’s Royal Hospital Chelsea. And all of this is walking distance from the heart of London.
The Silver Fund is exhibiting their exceptional collection of 20th-century silver from master silversmiths including Georg Jensen, Jean E. Puiforcat, and Jean Despres, as well as a curated selection of 20th-century furniture with a focus on American pieces from the 1960s and 1970s.
“Masterpiece’s star is rising. The event is fast becoming the most imaginative and glamorous art and 
antiques fair in the world.”– Susan Moore, The Financial Times
Michael James and Jason Laskey, Principals of the Silver Fund, offered Altima a limited number of tickets for its subscribers. If you would like to receive complimentary tickets, please email us at Maribel@AltimaPalmBeach.com
Public Fair Days
June 29 – 30, 11 am – 9 pm
July 1 – 2, 11 am – 7 pm
July 3 – 5, 11 am – 9 pm
For most, September means back-to-school, back-to-work and back-to-reality which means its the perfect time for savvy and travelers with discerning taste to pack up and go! Europe saves its true charms for September, and Mykonos is no exception. More options on where to stay, easier to make last minute dining decisions without reservations and better deals available are just some of the perks. A devoted foodie, I particularly enjoyed ‘An Eating diary from a perfect week in Mykonos‘ by my trusted friend and true expert, Heather Warburton. Below is a small representation of the article. (To view complete article)
There are many reasons to go to Mykonos—the color of the water alone, the music, and the stunning villas—but undoubtedly, the food scene will convince you. If you intend to eat light and vegetarian, you’ll find no better place, and then again, if you’re more into feta cheese and baklava, you’ll be just fine too.
I recently spent five days in Mykonos in early July, and in addition to Katrin- family-run restaurant featured above these are some of my favorites:
Spilia
Spilia
Built into a cove of Agia Anna, next to Kalafati beach, Spilia is one of the more elegant restaurants on island. The restaurant is multi-level, giving each seating area an intimacy occasionally lacking in Mykonos, and the soft blue water is truly at your feet (half our table took a dip between courses). Their lobster pasta is one of the signature dishes, and a waiter caught and opened sea urchins in plain site, ensuring total freshness. Can’t miss item? The fudge-like chocolate cake. Trust me, you want it.
Other top restaurants recommended are Interni for dinner; Scorpios for dining and partying; Kiki’s Tavern, the romantic Avra and the Belvedere. 
Click here to read more about the restaurant scene
If the restaurant scene alone has you craving Mykonos, check out the villa listings on Mykonos here or email SGoulart@wimco.com
Villa LIV KYM
Villa LIV GAI
36th Annual Baltimore Art, Antique and Jewelry Show adds Juried Fine Craft Component
Acclaimed as the most anticipated event of the Summer Art Season, the iconic Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show is much more than your typical retail Art show. With an extensive array of prominent estate jewelers, antiquarian book dealers, and exhibitors offering everything from majolica to contemporary art, there is truly something for everyone. Now celebrating its 36th year, the Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show makes its annual return to the Baltimore Convention Center August 25th through the 28th. This year, the expansive show will present the spectacular collections of more than 400 international exhibitors, including a book fair section, and an exciting new Fine Craft section, featuring a juried exhibition of artists.
The Show historically attracts fine art, antique and jewelry aficionados from all corners of the globe to explore the show’s exquisite array of rare treasures from the last several thousand years, including furniture, American and European silver, major works of art, Asian antiquities, porcelain, rare manuscripts and books. Americana, antique and estate jewelery, glass textiles and more. With lots of unique items to review, guests enjoy shopping the Best of the Best as well as the convenience of full-service restaurants, coffee bars, and lounge areas on the show floor to offer a break while they treasure hunt.
Irina Grammatina hand painted silk scarf
This year’s addition of The Baltimore Fine Craft Show is yet another reason to visit the show. Jurors include Lloyd Herman, Founding Director, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Museum of American Art; Jane Milosh, Director, Provenance Initiative and Michael Monroe, Director Emeritus, Bellevue Museum
The Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show will take place August 25-28, 2016 at the Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Please visit www.BaltimoreSummerShow.com for additional informtiton or to purchase tickets
The Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show is a Palm Beach Show Group Event. www.Palm BeachShowGroup.com
CHATEAU ALGARVE
Just got word a friend of mine will be vacating her château in the South of France this summer, making it available for a family or individuals looking for a truly unforgettable experience. Built in 1865, Chateau Algarve, the 19th Century Italianate villa was once home to His Imperial Highness Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaievich, the first cousin of the Russian Tsar and Commander of the Russian Army. Situated on the west side of the Cap, only minutes away from Juan-les-Pins and the famed Hotel du Cap & Eden Roc, the château commands the best sea view of the Iles de Lerins and Cannes.
Palatial, majestic, romantic, serene, comfortable are just a few of the words used to describe this magnificent dream of a place. Elegantly appointed with rich fabrics, gorgeous boiserie, splendid reception rooms, lush gardens and a pergola render Algarve the perfect setting for entertaining large or small, indoors or out, corporate or private or as an intimate escape for family and friends. Either way, the experience will be a memorable one….
The Chateau is available for rent for minimum of one week during July and August at 15,000 Euros per week; September at Euros 11,250. To view more pictures visit www.chateaualgarve.com
Having heard from a friend how spectacular Umbria was, I was eager to find out what specifically made it an unforgettable destination– UMBRIA Jazz Festival. For 10 days and nights, (July 8th-17th) the sweet sound of jazz music can be heard throughout the medieval city of Perugia and the hills of Umbria come alive with the sound of music.
Since 1973, the festival has been a huge attraction every summer and hosts some of the most amazing Jazz musicians around. Artists such as Miles Davis, B.B King, and Elton John have performed. This year, from July 8-17, the festival’s lineup will be just as amazing. The majority of performances taking place under the stars at the open-air Arena Santa Giuliana, while others happen within the gilded walls of Teatro Morlacchi,
Perugia can get very busy during the Umbria Jazz Festival and hotels, inns and villas can book up quickly. Personally I appreciate the privilege of venturing into the historic city centers for exceptional jazz, then being able to retreat to the countryside to soak up the peace and beauty of Umbria.
Whether I’m traveling to the Caribbean or Europe, I like the space and privacy that a private villa offers. My friends at WIMCO Villas represent dozens of private villas with pools in Umbria and Tuscany – contact them at 1-800-449-1553 to ask for suggestions. They’ll set up your flights, rental cars and even private chefs and vineyard tours.
On my bucket list is a 9 bedroom villa I would like to fill with 8 friends/couples! Only 6 miles from Perugia and less than 14 from one of my favorite historical towns, and birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi, the villa offers horseback riding, golfing, restaurants, food shops, and even hot air balloon ride nearby.
I continue to count on my favorite concierge — WIMCO for my vacation needs– Contact Stiles (owner/principal of WIMCO) directly for any inquiries at Stiles@wimco.com, Barbara Pierce Bpierce@wimco.com or call 401 236 9024
Before Brigitte Bardot transformed this coastal town on the French Riviera into a glamorous 24/7 destination, it was a simple, unassuming fishing village. The weaving of past and present in St. Tropez culture make it a uniquely charming, and relaxing European getaway where Shopping is a favorite past-time. The WIMCO team and its comprehensive Vendôme guide allows you to experience St. Tropez as an ‘insider,’ making it all the more enjoyable. The Vendôme Guide series is a collection of beautiful destination-specific guidebooks with detailed insider information, with photos of each villa they represent, and recommendations on what to do and see in each destination. (I’ve included the St. Barth’s guide in gift bags at the most exclusive Palm Beach events)
For the elite jetsetter crowd, St. Tropez is a destination you can’t help visit again and again. Its sexy image is well-deserved — whether you are relaxing at a beach club, shopping in glamorous boutiques, or clinking glasses on a yacht.
St. Tropez’s Club 55
While St. Tropez is a 24/7 party, everyone knows there’s something a little magical that happens when the sun goes down. Once you find yourself partying into the early morning hours with celebrities like Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Leonardo DiCaprio, you’ll wonder how nightlife in the U.S. is worthy of your time ever again.
What to Do in St. Tropez: Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
As you stroll along the cobblestone streets of St. Tropez, you will encounter some familiar favorites (bonjour, Louis Vuitton!) and many one-of-a-kind boutiques you may have never heard of. Stop in as many shops as you can, but these areas, shops, and storefronts should go to the top of your list:
The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is not a store — it’s the nickname for a chic area of St. Tropez where visitors can find brands like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Fendi. Within the triangle formed by Places des Lices, Rue Gambetta, and Rue Allard, the classic favorites are all there.
St. Tropez is the type of destination that you will want to return to year after year, especially in the summertime. There is a wonderful energy as the town gets busy and you will find there’s always something to do: whether you enjoy indulging in Tarte Tropéziennes, shopping until your sandal straps give way, or staying up to enjoy one of the most celebrated nightlife scenes in Europe.
Let your free spirit experience the free-spirited side of the sunny French Riviera.
We love St. Tropez, with its narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets fronted by designer boutiques, art galleries, fashionable bistros and cafes. Summer is peak season in St. Tropez, which means if you are looking for the best nightlife options, now is the time to book your flights and make reservations in a private villa, or hotel. Grab your friends, pack your most fashionable pieces, and prepare for the summer of your life in the French Riviera. Contact WICO at 800-449-1553, and have their villa specialists plan the perfect trip for you. or visit their website to browse villa and hotel options
Why choose WIMCO when planning your vacation?
- Over 30 years of experience in villa vacation planning and boutique hotel reservations
- One-stop service from rental cars to flights, from in-home spa service to cooking help, from baby-sitters to stocking your villa with groceries daily, WIMCO does it all for you.
- Voted one of the top 5 luxury villa rental specialists in the world by Fortune Magazine
- Voted Forbes “Best of the Web”
Click here to start planning your dream vacation
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.
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. Available on www.amazon.com
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
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 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