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Les Mille Feuilles
Paris, France
Flamboyant colouring, fabulous, nuanced textures; compositions are bold but naturalistic - fresh and voluptuous; owners Philippe and Pierre’s close ties to haute couture show in all of their work.
www.les-mille-feuilles.com
+33 1 42 78 32 93
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The Swan | |
| Oxfordshire, England Antique store and restaurant, now that’s sure to be a winning combo! The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the restaurant is brimming with—you guessed it—antiques. The menu focuses on contemporary British classics, with an emphasis on fresh seasonal produce; try the roast turbot fillet with artichoke puree or the roast butternut squash risotto with truffle oil. Over 500 years of English hospitality at its finest. www.theswan.co.uk | +44 1844 281182 |
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Café des Arts | |
| St Rémy de Provence, France This gem is almost always busy—in a good way—and is definitely the place to see and be seen in St Rémy. But don’t worry if you haven’t packed your Prada, this is where high society mixes effortlessly with the down-to-earth local crowd, all enjoying the pastis, café, and buzzing ambience—if you’re lucky, someone might just start strumming on the guitar. +33 90 92 13 41 |
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Le Comptoir | |
| Marrakech, Morocco With an interior styled like a boudoir or harem, Le Comptoir is part Morocco, part Paris—both on the menu and in the setting. Dine in the upstairs lounge-bar, or outside in the bedouin tents. Belly-dancers dripping in flower petals and candles entertain you while you enjoy the elegant yet simple menu. On Saturday and Sunday nights DJs turn the restaurant into a hip night-spot for the fashionista crowd. www.comptoirdarna.com | +212 2443 7702 |
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Villa Verde | |
| Piazzetta di Capri, Italy A few minutes walk from the piazzetta, this traditional Mediterranean eatery is a favourite of celebrities. The wonderful seafood is complemented by the pretty setting—in warmer months take the opportunity to dine in the capacious gardens. The menu is focused on the simple fresh flavors of the Mediterranean, with pizzas created before your eyes and cooked in the outdoor wood burning stove. There’s also a pleasingly extensive selection of wines from neighboring regions, as well as decent international fare if all those carbs are worrying you. www.villaverde-capri.com | +39 08 1837 7024 |
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The Beacon | |
| Sag Harbor, USA This is the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy gorgeous Sag Harbor Cove sunsets—parties of up to 4 people can dine open air on the 2nd floor veranda. Relaxed and understated, the creative menu is a real palate pleaser, full of summery flavors with an Asian twist. Expect dishes like “Beacon Style” steamed mussels, guava baby back ribs with grilled asparagus and potato hash, or sautéed local flounder with Yukon mashed potatoes. +1 631 725 7088 |
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Ta Dichtia Fish Tavern | |
| Perivolos Beach, Santorini Make like a Santorinian and head to the locals’ favorite beach—Perivolos. With blue chairs and white table clothes, it’s pure Santorini in style, and has a varied and tasty menu; go for the fava spread, fried tomato balls and fresh fish. It’s also a good place to have the taxi pick you up for the 30-minute scenic ride back to Oia. +30 2286 0828 18 |
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Catch | |
| Santa Monica, USA Inspired by the pacific it’s just in front of, Catch’s menu is full of fishy delights mixed with land-lubber favorites; crispy skate wing with savoy cabbage and braised pork, roast chicken, or dugness crab fondue. There’s a basic menu sushi bar for those of you who like that just-caught feel. It’s beachy-elegant; bright as can be by day with the sparkling ocean as the main draw, and sultry in the evening. www.catchsantamonica.com | +1 310 581 7714 |
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Summer 2008: See and Be Seen Events - I’m arming you with the worldwide bests here! |
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Maggio Musicale Fiorentino | |
| Florence, Italy 26 April – 1 July This is the see-and-be-seen event of the Italian music calendar; stunning sets and costumes alongside some excellent ballet, opera and concerts. Founder Vittorio Gui’s aim was to present visually arresting shows whilst championing contemporary or forgotten pieces, as well as classics. It’s a high profile event; past artists have included Maria Callas, Baryshnikov and Karajan, and this year, principle conductor Zubin Mehta will direct French actress Charlotte Rampling in Nevermore, the Maggio against the Wars with music from Haydn, Britten and Schonberg. Other productions will also include Carmen, the Tokyo Ballet, The Sleeping Beauty and Phaedra. Dramatic stuff. www.maggiofiorentino.com | +39 55 2779350 |
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Stars of White Nights at Mariinsky Theatre | |
| St. Petersburg, Russia 11 May – 20 July This ballet and opera festival is a popular and important event in the contemporary music and theatre calendar. This season sees a predominantly Russian beginning, opening with Tchaikovsky’s The Maid of Orleans—followed by a week more of the Russian great. However, the rest of the festival has a more international flavour, with productions including Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Wagner’s Flying Dutchman and Brahms’ German Requiem, as well as Balanchine’s ballet Jewels (with music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky), and Uliana Lopatkina dancing Fokine’s Dying Swan. www.mariinsky.ru | +7 812 326 4141 |
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Auction Napa Valley | |
| Napa Valley, USA 5 – 8 June Formerly know as the Napa Valley Wine Auction, this is a must for any fans of wine, the people who make it and the people who drink it. A weekend of evening parties, lunches and general socializing in the Valley, it’s the largest wine charity event in the world—more than $45 million has been donated to organizations within Napa County since the event began in 1981. The highlight is the live Saturday night auction, hosted again this year by Jay Leno. While you’re at Friday’s smaller Barrel auction, on the Trinchero family estate, take the opportunity to nab a peek at the 44 lots up for grabs in Saturday’s big money event. There are intenationally renowned wines or rare collections, as well as fine dining, holidays, unique experiences and luxury goods. Make sure you’ve got a strong arm, because you’re going to be wanting to lift it high again and again here. www.napavintners.com | +1 707 963 3388 |
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Royal Ascot, Ascot | |
| Berkshire, UK 17 – 21 June Brush off the hats and start planning an outfit, this is one event you do not want to miss. Established in 1768, Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious horse races worldwide, attended by over 300,000. But they’re not all there for the horses; champagne, picnics, pretty dresses and men in mourning suits, Ascot is the epitome of the English social calendar, with the Royal family arriving each day by horse and carriage. Everyone who’s anyone here is rich or beautiful—and more often than not, both. The 17 races are carried out on the flat, with a total prize money of £4 million—if you’re after a dramatic finish, make sure you catch the feature races, which have the highest prize value and the highest stakes. Formal dress code is only required in some areas, but most people dress up anyway—after all, it’s half the fun!Tickets from £15 in the silver ring; £45 General Admission. www.ascot.co.uk | 0870 727 1234 |
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Nantucket Film Festival | |
| Nantucket, USA 19 – 22 June Any film buff worth their money will want to get hold of one of the few tickets to the NFF that are available to the general public. The festival is a premiere location for a host of US and international films, and celebrates cinema in all its forms; from studio produced features, to shorts, foreign films, and documentaries. As well as the screenings, there are staged readings of works in progress, story telling by the likes of Jim Carrey or Paul Rudd, panel discussions, teen awards and beach screenings. There’s also the famous “Morning Coffee With…” events where festival goers get to listen to the insight of the most prominent guests—coffee and muffins included! The public passes get you into all of these events, as well as all of the regular films and two Spotlight films. Plus you can hob-nob with the stars at the opening night party and closing night awards. Better get practicing that speech…Passes cost around $1,000 www.nantucketfilmfestival.org |
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Salon Prive | |
| London, UK 2,3,4 July Whether you love cars, the people who drive them, or just a good party, this three-day event at the Hurlingham club celebrates all three. But don’t think it’s motor heads or car maniacs, Salon Prive is more of a garden/cocktail party where the main decorations are beautiful cars; super cars and super models aplenty. There are vehicles that have never been seen in the UK before, as well as demonstrations from environmentally friendly super cars (now, who ever thought you’d see those two phrases in one sentence!)—the Concept Climax powered by E85 bi-ethanol fuel. The culmination of the weekend is the prestigious Concours d’Elégance, the only one in London and this year showcasing Steve McQueens’s iconic Ferrari Lusso. If you tire of talk of engines and horsepower, head to the luxury brands tent and admire the new collections from Audemars Piguet, Boodles, Holland & Holland and XO Private Collection. Make sure you’re there for Thursday’s inaugaral ball in aid of the Prince’s Trust; food designed by Mark Hix of the Ivy, Le Caprice and Scotts, and entertainment from Simon Webbe accompanied by boy band Blue, providing some rat pack style crooning. Tickets from £125; Ball tickets £450. www.salonprivelondon.com |
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Cartier International Polo | |
| Windsor, UK 27 July 2008 Polo is always a glamorous affair; speedy chukkas, dangerous tackles and fiery players, and it doesn’t get much more stylish than the Cartier Cup at Guards Polo Club in Surrey. Royalty, celebrities and spectators mix with world-class players for the final high-scoring tournament of the UK season. The 25,000-strong crowd watches the Prince of Wales team against Hurlingham, as well as England vs Australia with awards for the winning teams, best player and best playing pony. Dress is smart-casual, with no jeans, trainers or sports wear, but ladies watch out—fancy stilettos won’t be much good for the treading in at half time, when spectators are expected to flatten the field of divots. For the true VIP experience, book a VIP ticket to the official Player’s Marquee—it includes a gourmet picnic and entry to the famous summer evening party. Tickets go on sale to non-members in May. Tickets from £35. www.guardspoloclub.com |
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Watermill Center Summer Benefit | |
| Hamptons, New York, USA Late July/Early August Some of the most sought after social tickets in the Hamptons are those to theatre director Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center Summer Benefit, an art auction and dinner sponsored by LVMH. It’s always fun, with themes that border on the bizarre—last year is was VOOM Zoo, in honor of Wilson’s series of animal video portraits and giving the event a ‘wild chic’ dress code. Expect performances, installations and interesting costumes, as well as a crowd that adds serious social kudos—in the past it has included the likes of Donna Karen, Annie Leibowitz, Isabella Rossellini, Dita Von Teese and Bill Paxton. Have your check book to hand at the auction, works by artists such as Alex Katz, David Salle and Marina Abramovic have changed hands at past parties, and the line up this year looks to be similarly stellar. www.watermillcenter.org |
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Cowes Week | |
| Isle of Wight, UK August 2 – 9. As much about the social scene as the sailing, Skandia Cowes Week is a huge part of the British summer sports calendar. 8,500 competitors in 1,000 boats will compete in up to 40 daily races, and everyone’s welcome, from Olympic medallists to Sunday sailors. If you’re not so steady on your sea legs and you’d rather watch the exciting proceedings, nab a spot between the Castle of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the cannons—you’re looking right at the start line. Alternatively, book a place on one of the spectator boats to be right in the thick of the action. Apart from the races, there’s loads going on; acrobatic displays, entertainment on the main stage and plenty of impromptu parties. Step up the tension by attending the prize giving on the final Saturday. www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk |
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Tiffany Ball | |
| Newport, Rhode Island, USA August 15 This is one of the biggest summer events in the patrician resort of Newport, Rhode Island. A black-tie dinner dance at the breathtaking and historic Breakers mansion—the original summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II—it’s all in aid of The Preservation Society of Newport County. Dance the night away to the music of the Alex Donner Orchestra. The guest list includes lots of the Newport old guard, although few can top that guest-of-all-guests, the Tiffany diamond itself, which attended the event in 1957 worn by Mary Whitehouse. It was one of only two events to see the yellow diamond worn (the other was when Audrey Hepburn wore it in a publicity event for the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s)—now those are social credentials…Advance reservations required. Tickets from $425 The Breakers 44 Ochre Point Avenue |
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End of Summer Ball, Berkeley Square | |
| London, UK 25 September Polish off the family jewels; if you only go to one party this summer, make sure it’s the Berkeley Square End of Summer Ball. Brainchild of music mogul Vince Power, you know it’s going to be a good fun night; bringing together the capital’s ‘in’ crowd after a summer of parties abroad. Expect to see celebrities, aristocracy and Mayfair residents rubbing shoulders under the Vaudeville themed marquee. It’s all in aid of the Prince’s Trust, a charity that works with 14-30 year olds offering financial and practical support and building up confidence and motivation to individuals who have had a difficult youth. So, while you’re chatting to Rod Stewart, admiring Mischa Barton’s sense of style, or supping some delicious cocktails from Nobu, you’ll know it’s all for a good cause.Tickets from £600 + VAT; table of ten from £5,500 + VAT. www.bsquareb.co.uk |
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The Serpentine Summer Party | |
| London, UK 1 July Each year the Serpentine Gallery in London gets a different architectural star to design it’s summer pavilion. This year the pavilion has been designed by Frank Ghery, his first work in the UK. A multi-dimensional structure, it is formed from timber planks and glass planes that, in the words of the great man himself, “is designed as a wooden timber structure that acts as an urban street running from the park to the existing Gallery.” Sound pretty impressive? Get the first look by getting yourself to the launch party, one of the gems of London’s summer social calendar. Expect to find yourself standing next to Kristin Scott Thomas or Pierce Brosnan as international celebs, models, designers and British art royalty like Tracy Emin all converge on Kensington Gardens. www.serpentinegallery.org |
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Huggy Bear Invitational | |
| Southampton, New York, USA Late August TBC Shhh…This is one of the big secrets of the tennis calendar. An exclusive summer pro-am tennis tournament for doubles play, the annual Huggy Bear Invitational is a charitable event hosted on the private estate of financier Ted Forstmann that raises more than $1 million for children’s charities each year, including the Best Friends Foundation and the Inner-City Scholarship Fund This year, beneficiaries will include, Keep a Child Alive, United Friends of the Children, Hollygrove and National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. With big names like Ken Rosewall, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova all playing in the past, you can be sure that you’ll see some serious tennis, and some famous faces to boot. The tournament is followed by a dinner party and dance, generally held on the Saturday night, which features world-class entertainment; Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks and Ray Charles have all been seen on the stage in the past. If you have the inside track to finagle a ticket, this is one hot event. |
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Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe | |
| Paris, France October 7 One of the top events in the international racing circuit, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has always been attended by France’s great and good—from the first race in 1857 attended by Emperor Napoleon III. One of the French racing season’s four Classic races and, the major end-of-season middle-distance challenge race in Europe, the one and a half mile track is at Longchamp in Paris; 18 thoroughbreds over three years will race for a total prize money of 2 to 4 million euros—making it the most richly rewarded race on turf. www4.prixarcdetriomphe.com |
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If you simply want to escape to somewhere laid back, you can’t get much more relaxed than San Sebastian, favorite escape of Spain’s in-the-know crowd. |
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Perfect Days in… San Sebastián | |
| Nobody gets up too early in Spain, but if you find yourself awake before lunch in San Sebastián, take the tram up Monte Igueldo or go for a stroll amongst the romantic ruins of a castle atop Monte Urgull. Both protrude into the bay and overlook the two sides of San Sebastián; the beautiful belle époque homes, once built for royalty, and a gleaming modern convention center. The local must-eat in San Sebastián is Basque-prepared seafood. For some truly authentic food dine at the celebrated Arzak (www.arzak.es, +34 943 278 465). Try a daring monkfish dish or classic Basque combos like cod with bell peppers… Akelare (www.relaischateaux.com/akelare, +34 943 311 209) is another favorite and has a great view from the foot of Monte Igueldo. The parte vieja is full of pretty old buildings, but it gets a little too crowded in summer months, so make use of the fab facilities at the waterfront Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián (www.rcnss.com, +34 943 423 575); great for a quiet drink or to plan your sailing excursion. For something more physical, stop in at a surf school on Avenida de la Zurriola, which overlooks the break on Playa Zurriola. Pukas is the homegrown surf brand (www.pukassurf.com, +34 943 320 068). Back in town, the Museo de San Telmo (www.museosantelmo.com, +34 943 481 580), located in an historic former monastery, is host to monumental Spanish Republic-inspired tapestries—not to be missed! Head back to the patre vieja in the evening—by now it’s calmed down a bit and you can get some great tapas at stylish Bar Bergara (www.pinchosbergara.com, +34 943 275 026). Finish the night off back at the elegantly ageing Hotel Maria Cristina (www.starwoodhotels.com, +34 943 437 600) which hosts the glitz and glamor during the annual film festival (www.sansebastianfestival.com, 20-29 September 2007). |
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Daniël Ost - Floreal
Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Show-stopping set-pieces (a canopy of 9,000 phaleonopsis suspended in crystal drops for the King of Belgium’s birthday party), witty table-pieces, gorgeous bouquets – the man’s a genius; works worldwide; Brussels store on Rue Royale.
www.danielost.be
+32 3 776 1715
BEWARE: The Lugger Hotel
Portloe, Cornwall
I’d heard and read complimentary things about this seaside bolthole, so on a recent trip to Cornwall, I checked it out. If I’m honest it’s more of an Avoid than a Beware… Set in a tiny fishing village, in the peaceful Portloe Harbor and surrounded by skyward-reaching cliffs, I’d forgive you for thinking the Lugger might be a super pick for a quiet Cornish getaway. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t cut it. The 21 rooms, spread through a number of buildings, are small and totally uninspired, with few ornamentations or amenities—the view is the best thing about them. The staff I encountered seemed in a daze; even the manager on duty was not enthusiastic or particularly friendly. The beach is cute but tiny, and come summer I imagine it gets crowded with guests and locals alike. It’s a shame, because it really is in a pretty position—head here for the coastal cliff walks and the views from the restaurant, but stay instead at The Tresanton in nearby St. Mawes.
Room rates from £220.
www.luggerhotel.com | +44 (0)1872 501322
The Lugger Hotel,
Portloe,
Truro,
Cornwall,
TR2 5RD
1000 thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton; pure indulgence. Be warned: you won’t want to get out of bed!
Sferra
The company that introduced us to the world of 1000 thread count linens - oh and how we thank them for it! Choose from 6 collections, each with unique little details and all finished in Italy. For pure indulgence, try and get one of ten sets with handmade Burano Point Venice Lace ($15,000). Queen sets from $1,185.
Dea
Sheets fit for a king; past clients include the White House, the Sultan of Brunei, and the Emperor of Japan! All manufacturing is done in Italy, and the quality speaks for itself. Queen set $1,140
Léron
Famous for its custom embroidery and appliqués; some of the finest sheets in the world. 1000 thread counts aren’t kept on the premises, but they are happy to source fabric for clients and make them up. Queen set from $1,200
Schweitzer Linen
Woven and finished in Italy, the 1000 thread count sheets are high quality and super comfy. Only available in white and cream at the moment, but they’re so popular more colours might be introduced soon… Queen set $1,270
D. Porthault
1000 thread counts are available by special order from this French company. All sheets are made and finished just outside Paris, but there are U.S. stores in Dallas and New York. Queen set from $1,700
Sferra www.neimanmarcus.com +1 888 888 4757
Dea +1 800 344 4552
Léron +1 954 6369
Schweitzer Linen www.schweitzerlinen.com+1 800 554 6367
D. Porthault www.dporthault.fr +1 212 688 1660
