We’re beginning to feel the Dubai heat. As we do, we easily reach for a nice cool frozen drink at the end of the day. Refresh, relax and cool down at these hip cocktail bars.

Dubai One’s TV anchor and author of Faces of the Middle East Hermoine Macura displayed her photographic work at EPIC, the UAE’s first Sustainable Living Exhibition. This unique consumer lifestyle show featured a range of eco-friendly activities and brands which promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Macura’s poignant photographs were displayed at the event. Taken over a span of seven years, her striking images capture another side of the region- one which tells the story of the minority groups, historical monuments and everyday people which make up the fascinating multi-layered region of the Middle East.

Macura spoke to guests about her photographs and how to inspire a positive lifestyle change. Being aware of one’s surrounding culture and environment is a necessary acknowledgment towards the betterment and welfare of mankind. By helping others and taking care of the natural world we ultimately assist the development of our own well being.

The famous red and black leather jacket that Michael Jackson wore while dancing with the zombies in the famous video for “Thriller” was sold for $1.8 million at auction. Texas businessman and collector Milton Verret plans to display his latest acquisition at an Austin children’s hospital before sending it on tour to raise more money for children’s charities.

Recent auction sales have been huge business lately. Just last week, the “subway grate” white dress that Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch, was sold for a record $5.6 million. The famous outfit was part of Debbie Reynolds’ collection, which also included Audrey Hepburn’s My Fair Lady dress that racked in $4.million at the same auction.

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With all of the new wealth blossoming across Asia, it is hardly surprising that China has surpassed the United States as the biggest auction market for art and collectables after auction sales more than doubled in only one year. According to the French Auction Market Authority, sales in China – including Hong Kong – leapt 137% in 2010 to a whopping $10.8 billion.

This means that China is now responsible for 34.4% of global market share whereas in 2009, that number was at 24.2%. Overall, the global auction market for art and collectables rose 66% in 2010 with a total value of 22.15 billion euros. Pierre Capelle of the Noeo Consell management consultancy in Paris, who compiled the report, commented, “China took third place from France in 2004 and moved into second place in 2009, overtaking Britain.” Additionally, French art specialist Artprice declared China as number one in the fine art auction category in March after sales reached $3.1 billion last year.

Chinese collectors seem to be mostly hitting auction houses for ancient Chinese artifacts, many of which have been achieving record prices. In November 2010, for example, an 18^th century Chinese vase sold for an incredible $69.2 million. According to the 2010 World Wealth Report, there are presently 477,000 collectors in China, and a study by the China Minsheng Bank concluded that the Chinese spend at least 80 billion yuan (8.9 billion euros) annually – exclusively on works of art.

[Source: Luxuo]

This past weekend, I attended the birthday party of my dear friend Drew Katz. His 40th birthday bash was thrown by his mother and father. Walking into the venue, the entrance was lined with trees to make party guests feel as though they were entering a jungle- such a unique touch!

The party began on an open-air rooftop full of good friends and fantastic cocktails, then everyone moved into another room for dinner and dancing.

Guests included Holly Lang, Cory Booker, Eric Webb, Inga and Keith Rubenstein, Monica Mitro and Nigel Curtis, John McDonald, Joyce Varvatos, Melissa Silver, Jim Heckler and others.

Happy Birthday Drew!

Last weekend, Mike Piazza finally found a buyer for his Tribeca apartment. The open concept, light-filled duplex boasts sleek lines, sweeping river views, three outdoor spaces and such built-in architectural highlights as a steel staircase that is literally suspended in midair like a work of modern art. The 161 Hudson Street location was originally constructed a century ago as a commercial building, but was converted to loft apartments in 2004 by renowned architects Stas Zakrzewshi, Marianne Hyde, and Claudia Kianoury. The building features 24 condos, including one that was purchased for $5.8 million by Jon Stewart in 2005.

When the 3,012-square-foot two-bedroom went on the market on July 7, 2008, the asking price was $6.8 million, though it was reduced that November to $6.5 million. But, after three grueling years on the market, the apartment sold for $4.58 million, just $360,000 more than Piazza paid for it in 2004.

[Photos via Elle Décor]

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Built in 1931 by early Laguna Beach craftsmen, this unique three bedroom English Revival cottage has been gently restored to its original beauty. Located on the ocean-side of PCH in a preferred North Laguna location near Fisherman’s and Shaw’s Coves, the home features panoramic views from the second story extending from Catalina south to Dana Point, including Heisler Park and city lights. Outdoor areas include a spacious terrace with ocean and sunset views as well as sunny patios and shaded gardens surrounding the house on three sides.

The building is constructed of redwood lumber and shingles, with original Douglas fir floors and plaster interior finish throughout.  The plumbing and electrical have been upgraded along with the kitchen which includes new Cararra marble counters and new appliances from Bertazonni and Liebherr. The house is filled with light from all directions and enjoys ocean breezes. There are also mature avocado, Valencia orange and Jacaranda trees, lending to the property’s wonderful privacy. Homes like this in exceptional Laguna locations are nearly extinct, making this a truly special opportunity.

Offered @ $1,599,000

Contact Rob Giem @ 949.554.1214 or rob.giem@homgroup.com. Or visit http://robgiem.com

As Asia continues to see a rise in wealthy citizens, A. Lange & Söhne has opened their fifth and latest boutique in the heart of Hong Kong to cater to an ever-growing demand for luxury timepieces. Following their Dresden, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul locations, the brand hails from Saxony with a line of exceptional and precisely crafted timepieces that have captured the interest of horology enthusiasts the world over – most recently in Hong Kong.

The goal for this latest boutique is to bring to Hong Kong the quality and ambiance of their celebrated traditional German watchmaking with an intimate and high-end focus on service. Founded in 1845, the brand’s essence is present throughout the Hong Kong location with furnishing and décor that accentuate the watchmaker’s emphasis on fine craftsmanship and technological innovation. Luxurious detailing bears the brand’s signature leitmotif, down to the characteristic Lange grey coffered walls.

The design has been carefully executed to optimally showcase the brand’s work; display cabinets made from light-transmitting concrete brilliantly display the fine pieces while light-colored sandstone flooring – the same material used in traditional Dresden construction – is a nod to the brand’s roots. Additionally, the location houses virtually all of the fine pieces that can be found in the Saxony base.

A. Lange & Söhne Hong Kong is located among many other luxury retailers in Kowloon at Shop G11, 1881 Heritage, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

[Source: WatchTime]

Chef George Mavrothalassitis doesn’t mind change.

Which is one reason his award-winning Honolulu restaurant, Chef Mavro, is consistently rated as one of the best Hawaii restaurants and holds the prestigious James Beard award.

“I like changes,” Mavro says. “They always bring new energy and positive vibes.”

So when he hired Paul Feng — who has worked at Wolfgang Puck’s famed San Francisco restaurant Postrio and at the now-closed Tabla in New York City — as chef de cuisine, Mavro collaborated with him to create a new menu for the restaurant.

Some highlights include a tako (octopus) ceviche with a tomato granite and juice seasoned with espelette (a kind of chili pepper), red and green jalapeno, cucumbers and red onions shavings; a new foie gras, seared, deglazed with balsamic vinegar and served with ribbons of green mango marinated in sherry vinegar and sugar; and a Keahole lobster a la Thai, with coconut cream froth, lemongrass, galangal, tamarind-roasted red bell peppers and rice noodle cake (shown above).

Another addition to the restaurant’s offerings this summer is a fresh goat cheese mousse (below). It’s flavored with lemon zest and chives with a peppercorn-strawberry jam and a baby arugula salad.

The menu is offered in three courses ($75, $48 more with wine pairings), four courses ($85, $55 more with wine pairings), six courses ($128, $63 more with wine pairings), or the Grand Degustation, which is all of the dishes in tasting portions ($165, $85 more with wine pairings).

For reservations call (808) 944-4714.

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South Beach is getting ready to go old-school, and for all of you that remember what Sobe was all about back in the days, get ready because the nocturnal moguls that first hit the Miami party scene might be making their come back. Reports are stating that the two 90’s clubbers, Chris Paciello and Ingrid Casares are getting together once again, only this time as a duo in the food and beverage operations at the Delano that was recently empty by Jeffrey Chodorow, that was bought out by Morgan’s Hotel Group, for $20 million.

The Delano could be a hit or miss for the two, taking into account the major success the Florida Room has had. But we might all be taken by surprise, because we hear an arrangement was made with Las Vegas nightlife and restaurant heavies The Light Group. (Incidentally founded by Andrew Sasson, a former doorman at infamous South Beach hotspot Velvet) This surely sounds like it could be the next up-in-coming hot spot that will be jammed packed with celebs and socialites from all over; exactly what South Beach needs these days.

Rumors that the famous Liquid alumni are around and begging for some late night fun, making their way in the media, but will remain hopeful to this venture. In any case, what will or will not be of this will sort of provoke what some have said to be a colorless club scene.

[Source: www.miamiherald.com]

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