Archive for March 19th, 2006
Pay a small fee and endure a few more foot-aching steps for a bird’s-eye view of the city from atop Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe, at the end of the Champs Elysèes.
If Paris is synonymous with fashion, then Avenue Montaigne and its surrounds should be directly translated to “extremely expensive fashion.” Home to the top couture houses and the most chi-chi shopping in the city (and perhaps the world) the Avenue Montaigne area is replete with top-notch designers such as Calvin Klein, Celine, Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada and more. Although the largest concentration of upper-crust establishments is found on Avenue Montaigne, most people know the area for the world-famous Champs Elysèes, the self-proclaimed most beautiful avenue in the world. And while Champs Elysèes has in recent years attracted decidedly lower-rent tenants like the Gap and the Disney Store, it still provides a wonderful mile-long stretch for strolling, window-shopping and people-watching.
Directory organized by subject, including Luxury.
March 19th, 2006
The English call Leeds Castle “the loveliest castle in the world,” and for good reason. Built in 857, the castle has been home to such English royalty as Edward I, Henry V and Henry VIII. Inside, visitors can see centuries-old paintings, tapestries and furniture. Outside, the grounds are often shrouded in a morning mist, which, as the day goes on, lifts to reveal exquisite gardens, vineyards and even a golf course. An aviary, set in a walled garden and overlooking the lake, houses a variety of birds, including parrots, parakeets and softbills. But the most elegant activity at Leeds Castle is the black-tie dinner in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, served by a butler and footmen. It’s an experience fit for a king.
March 19th, 2006
“When a butterfly gently touches your cheek, it could be a tender kiss from God.”
This is how poet Christopher Tafeit describes the magic of these wonderful creatures, considered nature’s heralds of spring.
Drawing on Swarovski’s heritage influenced by the naturalist art movement around the late 19th century, six new butterflies have been created by Elke Kumar to extend the Silver Crystal line. They belong to the “In the Secret Garden” theme and are part of the spring / summer Poetic Journey collection.
Apart from the clear crystal version, the butterflies sparkle in Jonquil, Violet, Light Amethyst, Light Peridot and Light Azore faceted crystal. It is the first time that the Silver Crystal line is carrying figurines in fully coloured crystal.
A metaphor for happiness, renewal, lightness and joie de vivre, these butterflies also symbolise the metamorphosis of crystal. From its first cutting to the last finishing details, a cut crystal creation emerges as a beautiful object in delicate colours, delighting the senses.
March 19th, 2006
The Corona Cigar Company has expanding its Central Florida presence. Construction is now completed on the new 3500 square foot location in the Colonial TownPark Center in Heathrow Florida. This spacious location features all the same qualities as the World Headquarters location on Sand Lake Rd. in Orlando. The hand made Nicaraguan furniture and Central American décor will help recreate the ultimate cigar experience. A lighted marble-topped cigar bar will be the centerpiece of the Avo Lounge. Avo Uvezian will stop by from time to time to play the grand piano in the smoking lounge. While in the lounge, take advantage of extensive port and wine selection featuring the best from Spain and South America.
March 19th, 2006
