Two worlds apart no longer, Italian-based Kartell is keeping consumers sitting at the feet of haute collaborations from renowned fashion houses, most recently: Moschino and Etro, keeping it in the Italian family. Already having produced style-laden armchairs with Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni, Kartell’s latest versions have been touched by Philippe Starck and Piero Lissoni, each intrepid in their own rights. Sit up and take notice as legendary names in fashion and interior decorating marry in a vow to exquisite design.
Appreciated for its technological advancements and innovative approaches to design, Kartell has over fifty years of experience in designing classic furniture. Kartell’s Lucite pieces cover the furnishing spectrum in terms of the wealth of shapes, sizes, and rainbow of colors available.
Starck honed in on transparency and fabric to give Kartell’s Mademoiselle armchair, $860, airy and tactile qualities bringing as much function as fashion into the home. This clever aesthetic partnership boasts harmonious design and utter comfort. The chairs structure is composed of transparent polycarbonate, for a sturdy, yet flexible, fit for a seat made of expanded polyurethane. Mademoiselle’s clear Lucite legs and retro fabric options are sure to suit trendy and eclectic tastes. Think Dandelions and hearts meet street art for a funky, fresh update to any room.
The Pop chair by Piero Lissoni, $1,700, is highly customizable. Composed of combined transparent polycarbonate modules, and upholstered in Etro fabric, a keen eye can distinguish Pop’s punchy allure. The plush cushions provide maximum comfort and come in polyatomic fabrics. Get creative (Haute Living’s fairy-tale-inspired thought bubble begets frogs on gondolas) with your interior space and add a modern touch with Pop.
From establishing a rich international history to revolutionizing today’s home, Kartell brings contemporary chic and whimsy to any space with its latest armchairs. Upholstered in Moschino and Etro, Kartell gives you all the more reason to sit pretty in high-fashion furnishings.
Victoria’s Secret has always been the pinnacle of sexy, so it’s no surprise that when Matthew Zink, the company’s head swimwear designer, created his own line that “sexy” would take on an entirely new meaning. We had a chance to browse the debut collection Charlie by Matthew Zink during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim and to chat with the amiable designer about his newest project.
Matthew Zink spent five years at Victoria’s Secret, where he says he first fell in love with swimwear. He gushed, “I love the attitude and lifestyle of swimwear. When we come out of a meeting, everyone’s in a good mood.” To add to his fashion résumé, Zink has also worked with Tom Ford and Carolina Herrera, as he confessed, “Everyday I try to push myself to be in that league.” It was this personal admiration and professional inspiration that gave Zink the boost he needed to start his own collection.
To begin his venture, Zink welcomed feedback from his friends about what they wanted out of a swimsuit. He soon discovered that no single swimsuit designer stood out for anyone as a favorite. He thus vowed to do a complete ‘cleanup of swimwear.’ He wanted to create a timeless, quality product, and something inspiring. “I want a girl to have a cherished favorite suit — like her favorite pair of jeans she wishes she had 100 of.” And thus, Charlie by Matthew Zink was born.
The exquisite bikini tops, bottoms, cover-ups, and men’s swim trunks are a blend of classic solids (black, white, and red) mixed in with vintage patterns and subtle gold accents. “It’s invaluable if you can give a girl something that fits and is simple. I wanted glamorous, yet wearable swimwear…classic silhouettes with modern fit and modern details, like the banded bottom that has a slight V in the front, and the Rams head vintage piece on the black string top,” Zink says.
Zink told us that visitors at Fashion Week Swim went crazy for the sexy, yet flattering, red bandeau top that has convertible, removable straps. We personally liked the sheer red cover-up, which was longer in the back and shorter in the front to create a subtle sexiness. Zink himself said, “I’m crazy for the flower print.”
When asked where he received his inspiration for the first collection, Zink admitted, “I’m a slave to the 1970s, where women were like Farrah Fawcett and Jerry Hall. They were all extremely feminine and sexy, but strong. There’s something really powerful about a beautiful woman.” And the name Charlie? “Charlie is my fantasy girl. I often think, ‘What would Charlie wear?’” Charlie is stylish, sophisticated, and has serious sex appeal, although Zink noted that, “Swimwear is inherently sexy. There’s a certain vulnerability about wearing a swimsuit — you are the most naked you are going to be in public. I wanted to make sure my collection celebrated the person and the body.”
So what’s next for the budding designer and the future of Charlie? “Eventually, I’d like to expand beyond swimwear,” Zink reflects, “accessories, sunglasses, leather sandals…like from Mykonos or Saint Tropez.” Something tells us he’ll get his wish. The guy’s got some real talent, not to mention deep excitement for what he’s doing (we could tell Charlie is his baby). He also has a unique and genuine respect for fashion as an art form, which sets him apart from many designers out there today. Zink certainly stays true to his motto: “We don’t need more clothes! We need more fashion.”
Find out Matthew Zink’s favorite places in New York in Haute Secrets.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and San Franciscans sure love their brunch. In a city of 5-star restaurants and upscale cuisine, these eateries have mastered the market of early morning eating.
Red Door Café
This tiny café is making quite a name for itself in the foodie world. This may be a small venue, but their well crafted food and gorgeous plate arrangements have customers coming back again and again.
Red Door Café is located at 1608 Bush St., San Francisco. They can be reached at 415.441.1564.
Lime
Did I hear someone say bottomless mimosas? This Castro hub has residents flocking from every corner of the city for their lively breakfast crowd and mimosa brunch.
Lime is located at 2247 Market St., San Francisco. For reservations call 415.621.5256 or visit www.lime-sf.com.
Brenda’s French Soul Food
Is this restaurant located in a questionable neighborhood? Yes. Do you have to wait an hour to be seated in one of their thirty chairs? Yes. Is it worth it? Heck yes! My personal favorites are the Crawfish Beignets.
Brenda’s French Soul Food is located at 652 Polk St., San Francisco. Visit their website at www.frenchsoulfood.com.
Mama’s
This popular brunch spots serves heaping plates of delicious breakfast that have patrons singing their praises. The line is always long, but fans don’t seem to mind.
Mama’s is located at 1701 Stockton St., San Francisco. Visit their website at www.mamas-sf.com.
Universal Café
This adorable Mission café is known for its delicious and organic cuisine. Try their French toast and banana bread, two favorites of patrons.
Universal Café is located at 2814 19th St., San Francisco. Visit their website at www.universalcafe.net.
Amazon has announced the release of their third generation Kindle models. The new design improves the product by reducing the size by 20 percent and the weight by 15 percent, while still maintaining the 6-inch reading screen. Amazon has also improved the text-to-screen contrast by 50 percent. With enhanced battery life, a single charge (with Wi-Fi disabled) can last you up to one month of use. In addition, this generation boasts double the storage (which can carry up to 3,500 books), 20 percent faster page turns for more seamless reading, and an enhanced PDF reader. The Kindle also features such great tools as a point-and-click dictionary and text-to-speech turning your books audio.
The Kindle now comes in two versions, the Kindle and Kindle Wi-Fi. While the full version Kindle is priced at $189, the Wi-Fi-only version has a price point of only $139. The main differences between the two are the free 3G capacity and global wireless coverage. While the $189 version has these added features, the $139 version does not. In addition, the Kindle Wi-Fi is available in graphite only, while the Kindle 3G + Wi-Fi has a white option as well.
Kindle aims to have some e-reader advantages over the iPad. For example, unlike an LCD screens, the Kindle can be as easily read in sunlight as it would be indoors. In the wake controversy over the iPad’s overheating issue, the Kindle claims to never get hot, making the device comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
Both versions of the third generation Kindle, are available for purchase at www.amazon.com. They are currently set for pre-order only and will ship on August 27, 2010.
The Hunger Pop Up Restaurant Series returns with its next concept on Aug. 3 at The Yard at the Soho Grand Hotel. Fresh off the staggering success of their launch event, “Urban Cuisine Bourgeois,” in Nolita with guests including Todd English, Tom Collichio, and Ken Friedman, Top Chef alum Camille Becerra and hospitality gurus Alan Philips and Josh Shames of SKY Group are presenting an al fresco Argentinean barbecue concept for their second Pop Up Restaurant. The Hunger is a series of themed pop up restaurant concepts presented in New York and other sophisticated culinary destinations. The second instillation of this series will be taking reservation requests as of today for four nights of service.
The menu and décor for the second restaurant is based on a locally sourced interpretation of Argentinean asado, or barbecue. The menu and preparations will be based on the asado style of grilling popular in the Pampa region of South America, with a focus on grilled meats prepared by Chef Becerra on a parrilla style grill.
Chef Becerra chose Argentinean asado as her inspiration for this pop up presentation because the flavors are sophisticated and bold, but require a simple preparation that allows the locally sourced ingredients to shine. She was also inspired by Soho’s strong South American and European influences.
“The simple and bold flavors of asado grilling accompanied by freshly prepared Sangria or Argentine Malbec, is the perfect complement to summertime. This supports the Hunger’s core mission of offering delicious and exciting new flavors and social experiences to New York’s young foodie community.” The décor will feature a 70 person communal table under the stars, a 20 by 10 foot photo installation, floating summer lanterns, and a 10 foot long open-air grill.
The environment will embrace the communal nature of asado, allowing the beauty of the food and sharing of this “guerilla culinary” experience to remain the focus. The music for The Hunger will be programmed by DJ Claudius Raphael and Nick Cohen, who will be combining elements of Argentine tango and rock with “the soundtrack of downtown Manhattan.”
The Hunger came from a shared passion between Chef Becerra and Mr. Philips to bring friends together through sublime preparations of delicious ingredients served with style, in beautiful yet comfortable environments. The core focus of The Hunger concept is to create memorable culinary and social moments that exist briefly and then disappear. The evenings are set up like a fabulous dinner party, where all guests sit at the same time and simultaneously share an evening. Like a dinner party, guests will be encouraged to interact, leaving with only the memory of an experience that will never be exactly replicated again.
Chef Becerra rose to fame as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef. Becerra is from Puerto Rico, and most recently was the owner of Paloma Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. She incorporates the Latin spices and flavors of her heritage into her kitchen, and is dedicated to using the freshest seasonal ingredients and experimenting with technique to maximize flavor. She graduated from the Academy of Culinary Arts and has her finger on the pulse of the newest and most interesting urban culinary trends.
Seatings will be from 6 to 10:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday, Aug. 3-6.
Currently residing in Manhattan and East Hampton, Harry Slatkin wouldn’t be where he is today without his sense of smell. As one of the top fragrance experts in the country, Slatkin is the founder and president of Slatkin & Co., the premier fragrance brand best known for its delectable scents and design aesthetic. The brand, which was originally launched at Saks Fifth Avenue in the early ’90s, has expanded to other luxury retailers over the years, including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, and well-known international stores, like Harrods, as well.
After legendary retailer Les Wexner purchased the company from Slatkin five years ago for Limited Brands, Wexner named the scent aficionado president of home design for Limited Brands and president of Slatkin & Co. Slatkin’s job description includes overseeing the product development for all of the home fragrance brands sold under Bath & Body Works.
Last year, Slatkin received The American Society of Perfumers’ Living Legends Award. As if that weren’t enough to prove his credibility, Slatkin has a following of interior designers, architects, editors, and celebrities. Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Elton John, and the House of Christian Dior have all reached out to Slatkin to help create their home fragrance collections.
Slatkin and his wife currently serve on the boards of various non-profit organizations, and have even founded the first charter school for mental health in New York called New York Center for Autism.
Check out Harry Slatkin’s favorite haute spots in New York in Haute Secrets.
Haute Secrets Miami
Name: Norman Van Aken
The Stats: Born in Diamond Lake, Ill.; moved to Miami in 1990; currently resides in Coral Gables.
Why he loves Miami: The weather and the amazing mix of cultures.
Norman Van Aken is more than a celebrated chef — he’s an innovator. Aside from his international culinary fame for bringing New World Cuisine to the culinary forefront — infusing Latin, Caribbean, Asian, African, and American flavors into his creations — Van Aken has also introduced the concept of “fusion” into the culinary world.
With a fine dining restaurant, NORMAN’S, in The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Chef Van Aken has achieved a number of worldly recognitions. Zagat rated the dining venue “Orlando’s Best.” The James Beard Foundation, which recruited Van Aken as the first chef in America to become a member of its Board of Trustees, also nominated NORMAN’S as “The Best Restaurant in America” and honored the chef as a recipient for “Best Chef in the Southeast.”
Aside from his many other notable accomplishments and awards, Van Aken serves as a member on the prestigious James Beard Advisory Board, and has published four books. More recently, Van Aken opened his newest restaurant, Norman’s 180, in Coral Gables.
Check out Norman Van Aken’s favorite haute spots in Miami at Haute Secrets.
My fiancée will tell you the way to my heart (after Taschen books and Champagne) is breakfast. Few things satisfy like perfectly cooked Eggs Benedict with a flawless Hollandaise sauce (not watery and just the right amount of lemon) or a velvety quiche Lorraine. For some breakfast is purely food, eating a granola bar or grabbing a bagel on the run, but for others breakfast is an experience, a lavish Sunday brunch with friends or hours spent making the perfect frittata. No matter what your morning routine, the following restaurants provide the perfect nourishment to tackle the day. As my dear friend Amanda would say “It’s never a bad morning with bacon.”
During weekends the line of waiting patrons can stretch into the parking lot of this celebrated Orange restaurant. Diners queue up for house specialties including the apple pancake with Sinkiang cinnamon glaze, an oven baked pancake topped with lemon and whipped butter affectionately dubbed the “Dutch Baby,” and the homemade corned beef. Forget small plates at this country kitchen; the single portions are large enough to feed a small family so come hungry. Rest assured, you’ll leave happy.
The Original Pancake House is located at 3322 East Chapman Ave., Orange, Calif., 714.221.8674
Nothing, we repeat, nothing is pre-packaged at Kimmie’s. Using only the freshest ingredients, every menu item is made-to-order and served fresh and piping hot. Their signature country style sausage patties are circular bites of heaven and their homemade chili would make a Texan proud. Speaking of Texas, the Cowboy Steak and Eggs is a hearty helping of Angus rib eye served with three eggs, red skin potatoes, and biscuits and gravy. Thank goodness, they have large to-go boxes.
Kimmie’s is located at 1605 West Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, Calif., 714.1580
The seaside views are second to the delicious food at this legendary Crystal Cove eatery. Locals rave about the Filet Mignon Chilaquiles that features a delectable avocado puree, sunny-side-up egg, and savory filet mignon. Yum. The Brioche French toast is an innovative plate featuring black currant Brioche baked soufflé style in rich and creamy vanilla custard. Trying to eat healthier? The homemade oatmeal is served with toasted, slivered almonds and dried cranberries and tastes nothing like cardboard.
The Beachcomber is located at 15 Crystal Cove., Newport Coast, Calif., 949.376.6900
Situated in an eclectic house located across the street from the Laguna Beach Museum of Art, this quaint café blends classic breakfast cuisine with modern recipes. The ricotta pancakes are flavored with lemon and ginger then topped with homemade berry butter with the end result being a craving for seconds. Locals swear by the Eggs Benedict which came be ordered with Canadian bacon or smoked salmon all topped with one-of-a-kind Hollandaise sauce.
Madison Square is located at 320 North Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, Calif., 949.494.0137
Since 1939, Harbor House has served up staple homemade breakfasts worthy of Grandma’s praise. The biscuits and gravy is a veritable pantheon of country cooking and features chopped sausage and country bacon. The homemade goodness doesn’t stop there. Fresh waffles served crisp and golden are available with toppings including pecans, walnuts, bananas, chocolate chips, and fresh blueberries, making this dish more of a dessert than a start-your-day meal. Still can’t decide what to order? The omelet menu offers 24 various creations guaranteed to satisfy the pickiest patrons.
Harbor House is located at 34157 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, Calif., 949.496.9270
From July 9 to 11, Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille proudly sponsored the fifth biannual Le Mans Classic, the vintage race car event that takes place at the celebrated 13 km Le Mans circuit in France. Over the years, Le Mans Classic has become one of the most impressive displays of classic racing automobiles. It pays tribute to the historic 24 Heures du Mans, the oldest endurance sports car race in the world.
This year’s event drew in more than 400 cars, 1,000 drivers, and roughly 100,000 spectators (nearly 20 percent more than 2008). More than 40 former drivers attended, and every car that participated has raced in the 24 Heures du Mans between 1923 and 1979.
This year, Richard Mille himself was the official timekeeper for the event and he even participated by racing his 1970 Lola. Mille has always had a love of racing cars. In fact, his very first watch, the RM 001-1, was modeled with Formula 1 racing cars in mind. As his website explains, “Both are machines pur sang with similar rules regarding their functioning, accuracy of construction, and reliability. Each part of a high performance wristwatch…must fulfill its task with a wide margin of security and resistance to shocks and stress exactly as would be demanded of a high performance racing car.”
In honor of this year’s Le Mans Classic, Richard Mille launched the new limited edition RM 010 Le Mans Classic. The handcrafted green and white wristwatch (the official colors of the race) uniquely features a 24-hour time format at the two o’clock in honor of the 24 Heures du Mans. Just like a racecar, the RM 010 maintains a distinct balance of stunning external elegance and superior internal function. Only 150 of the exclusive watches will be made, available in titanium, white gold, and red gold.
On a secluded bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, California, sits one of the most spectacular vacation homes ever built! Newly completed and now for sale, this incomparable Nantucket-style home features all the comforts and amenities you’d look for while on a pampered vacation. With the most amazing and peaceful panoramic ocean views you can imagine. The home of approximately 6,600 square feet features a master suite on the main level and four additional full bedroom suites on the upper level, all with water views. The open floorplan with a state-of-the-art kitchen flows onto the substantial ocean blufftop decking. Top-of-the-line finishes throughout provide the most luxurious of beauty and relaxation. Amenities include a roof-deck pool and spa, walk-in wine cellar, $400,000 home theater, sauna, steam room, home gymnasium, aquarium, and a large family-style recreation room with all the toys for adults and kids. This dream vacation home is hidden in a very private enclave with only nine oceanfront homes, yet is only 10 minutes to downtown Santa Barbara and over a hundred gourmet restaurants. You have access to a private beach and cove below, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and sea lion and whale watching. And if you are not using your home for part of the year, rental rates for this property through Andrew Harper reach up to $100,000 per month. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Southern California opportunity!
Offered @ $12,900,000
Contact Ken Switzer @ 805.680.4622 or KSwitzer@PruSB.com. Or visit www.privatenewoceanfront.com.
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Jan/Feb 2012
