An Exhibition to Marvel At: L’ODYSSÉE D’UN ROI

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Over the years Burlington Arcade have played host to many decadent and luxurious goods from all over the globe. For one final week, the Arcade will add to its list another legend, a piece so fine and exquisite that following the exhibition tour, it will be auctioned off at the prestigious Sotheby’s. We are of course talking about L’Odyssée d’Un Roi, a collaboration featuring some of the most luxurious craftsmen in the design world and also in the World of the finest Cognac, Louis XIII. If ever there were a chance to see an example of the most impressive French craftsmanship, then L’Odyssée d’Un Roi offers up Louis XIII Cognac, Hermés, Puiforcat and Saint-Louis as it’s travelling companions to complete this unique item.

Alongside L’Odyssée d’Un Roi itself, the exhibit features a chance to see the tools which are used to hand-make each of the items in L’Odyssée d’Un Roi, from the white gold pipettes to the mouth-blown, hand-engraved crystal magnum decanter and glasses. A truly worthy collaboration to such a historic and iconic Grande Champagne Cognac. Follow the journey Louis XIII has made on its passage throughout the ages and bid farewell to a legend which will make it’s way to someone lucky enough to purchase it at auction. With the last one recently selling at Sotheby’s New York for a cool $134,750, we think we’ll just stick to admiring its beauty from afar.

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All proceeds from the auction will go to The Film Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Martin Scorsese and several other filmmakers to restore and preserve classic films.

L’Odyssée d’Un Roi will feature at Burlington Arcade until 21st October

Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ.

Charity Auction For Rare Bremont ‘Chivalry’ Watch

To be in with the chance to own a rare watch crafted by Bremont Watch Company look no further! Simply visit http://www.chivas.com/en/int/chivas/auction/ and bid in auction.

Only 12 rare pieces of this design will ever exist and the proceeds of those sold will be donated to philanthropic causes. The first auction of one of these watches will benefit The Prince’s Trust and  will go live tonight (22nd October) at 20:00 and will close on 9th of November!Watch

The oak contained in the back of this limited edition collectors item was used in the maturation of Chivas Regal Scotch whisky, so if you were to open the back you would experience it’s fine fragrance!

A fine piece for a great charitable cause, so head to the link above and make sure you place a bid!

All 12 watches are beautifully hand crafted by Bremont Chivalry. They represent the pinnacle of an ongoing collaboration between The Bremont Watch Company and Chivas Regal, at the heart of which is craftsmanship, style and generosity. So make sure you don’t miss out on this rare opportunity, as none of these watches will ever be sold in retail.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship, Style And Generosity: Introducing Chivas 12 ‘Made For Gentlemen’ By Bremont

Craftsmanship, style and generosity are at the heart of the recent collaboration between Chivas Regal and award-winning British watch company Bremont. Known for crafting beautifully engineered chronometers, Bremont has partnered with Chivas to design the latest Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin alongside 12 collector item ‘Chivalry’ watches to celebrate excellence and precision in luxury.


 

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin houses a bottle of Chivas 12 blended Scotch whisky and boldly features deconstructed watch elements to showcase the elegant and complex engineering of Bremont chronometers. The classically stylish, polished steel Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watch, with alligator strap, features a piece of oak cask used in the maturation of whiskies for Chivas Regal, the signature of James and John Chivas etched on the rotor of the timepiece and the Chivas crest subtly embossed on the dial.  An engraved copper plate, taken from a retired Scotch whisky copper still, sits on the leather presentation pouch.

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In the spirit of generosity, the Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watches will be auctioned exclusively for charities around the world.  Admirers of luxury watches and whisky will have the opportunity to participate in an online auction for one of these watches from 22nd October to 9th November, 2014 via www.chivas.com/bremont.  Proceeds will go to The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.

 

Explains Richard Black, Global Brand Director of Chivas Regal: “In seeking luxury experiences and products, modern gentlemen demand substance and style. We felt there were many synergies between Chivas and Bremont as award winning British brands that reflect the desires of the modern gentleman. What both Chivas and Bremont do is incredibly complex but the art is to present it simply and stylishly and give our customers distinctive luxury items and experiences.”

 

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, adds: “For me, the collaboration with Chivas was a genuine meeting of minds.  We are all dedicated and passionate about keeping traditions of craftsmanship alive and we are also focused upon leaving a positive legacy.  Bremont watches are ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’ and Giles and I have been blown away by the level of skill that Chivas Master Blender, Colin Scott, deploys in channeling nature and time in blending their Scotch whiskies.”

 

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont will be available globally from September with RRP of £28.45.

 

 

Streets of London Launch New Charity Auction

GET YOUR HANDS ON MERCHANDISE SIGNED BY SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN MUSIC

 FROM 9pm THURSDAY 20TH – SUNDAY 30TH MARCH

Homelessness charity Streets of London will be holding a special online auction to raise money and awareness for homeless people in the capital. Bidding on eBay kicks off at 9pm on Thursday 20th March and runs until Sunday 30th March. Items include Artwork, CDs, T-Shirts and Vinyl. Taking part in this amazingcause and supporting the charity are an incredible array of world-class names including The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Biffy Clyro, Emeli Sande, The Vaccines and many more! For more information and to get involved, visit www.streetsoflondon.org.uk

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Justin Young from The Vaccines said: “After the bad weather of the last few months, more than ever is it easy for me to appreciate just how tough and awful living on the streets without structure and support is. And I think whatever people can do to contribute to making the lives of those people easier goes an incredibly long way.”

 

Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones said: “We’re delighted to support Streets of London and their wonderful work helping London’s homeless.”

 

Ian Steuart Fothringham, director of Streets of London said: “We’re excited to have the support of so many major artists – including some of the biggest names in music – for this important cause. We fund specialist support for people who are homeless in London, ensuring that they have the advice and support they need to be able to move on and make lasting changes in their lives. Every penny raised at this auction will help. 2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us. We’re finalising the line-up for our next Concert for Homelessness, and we’ll be announcing the details in the coming few weeks!”

 

Streets of London puts on exciting live events, including annual charity concerts, giving music fans the opportunity to see big-name acts performing in intimate venues. It uses the proceeds to fund support for homeless people in the capital, ensuring they receive the advice and supportive guidance needed to move forward with their lives. The charity also works to increase general understanding about homelessness, challenging preconceptions and stereotyping.

 

To join in supporting this amazing worthycause, head to www.streetsoflondon.org.uk for more information – the eBay auction starts at 9pm on Thursday 20th March.

 

@StreetsofL

 

 

Fab Four To Appear In Croydon: Rare Beatles Memorabilia Included In Auction

beatlesmemorabliaThe Beatles have been fascinating us for over five decades, but it was in 1964, exactly 50 years ago, that they took the world by storm. They appeared on US TV and performed in front of a 73 million audience. Beatles merchandise started to become big business.

Catherine Southon is pleased to announce that she will have not just one, but three rare Beatles memorabilia included in her next sale at The Chateau in the Shirley Hills, near Croydon, on Wednesday, 26th March 2014 at 11.30 am.

By far the most sought after is the 1964 NEMS record player, which is one of the earliest Beatles merchandise – only 5,000 were ever made and they rarely come up for sale. This one is not in mint condition, but will still make a fan’s heart beat faster. The iconic record player has got a print of the Fab Four playing their instruments and facsimile autographs. It is estimated to fetch between £1,000-2,000.

Also from around 1964, is the boxed set of car mascot Bobb’n Head Beatles dolls, which is expected to sell for £300-400. The set is in its original, slightly damaged box and each Beatle plays his instrument. The dolls are about 8” tall and are very popular with collectors.

For fashion conscious ladies, who want to fully embrace Beatlemania, the third Beatles’ lot will be of particular interest. A 1964 Dutch Polka Dot mini dress in beige and white with the faces of John, Paul, George & Ringo printed in black vertically next to a guitar with their facsimile signatures. It’s in excellent condition and a size 10/12 and comes with an estimate of £150-250.

Catherine Southon, well-known through various BBC Antiques programmes, says: “I was really excited to be shown the Beatles memorabilia at a recent valuation day. Although they did not belong to anyone famous, the fact that they have survived for this long in such good condition is quite remarkable. The Beatles are still seen as the greatest and most influential rock band and I know that their fans are always keen to add rare merchandise to their collections.”

Other lots with famous signatures included in the auction is a handbag signed by Neil Armstrong in the mid 1980s. He signed the beaded bag for its owner at a charity event shortly before he stopped giving autographs (estimate £1,000-2,000).

A catalogue will be available from the end of February and the sale can be viewed on 25th & 26th March at The Chateau, Coombe Lane, Shirley, Surrey CR0 5RE.

For more details, please visit www.catherinesouthon.co.uk or call 07808 737 694.

 

Star-studded Audience Show Their Support For The (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s

In late November at Sotheby’s in New York, a standing-room only crowd helped raise more than $26 million for The Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. The star-studded audience gathered for The (RED) Auction celebrating design and innovation, which had been curated by Sir Jonathan Ive and Marc Newson in collaboration with musician and activist Bono. The sale exceeded all expectations totaling more than $13 million, which was matched by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The high-energy salesroom saw a remarkable three lots bring more than $1.5 million, including the two items designed in their entirety by Jony and Marc – a unique Leica Digital Rangefinder Camera, which sold for $1.8 million and a unique aluminum desk produced by Neal Feay Studio, which brought $1.7 million.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Marc Newson, Bono and Jony Ive attend Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Marc Newson, Bono and Jony Ive attend Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

Throughout the evening, the crowd of more than 1,000 guests, including The Edge, Chelsea Clinton, Helena Christensen, Meg Ryan, Jenna and Barbara Bush, Hayden Panettiere, Larry Gagosian, Dieter Rams, Gayle King, and Mario Batali, was treated to a number of spectacular surprises: before auctioneer Oliver Barker opened bidding on lot 12, the Steinway & Sons unique
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Chelsea Clinton attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Chelsea Clinton attends Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

“Red Pops for (RED)” Parlor Grand Piano, Coldplay’s Chris Martin took to the stage to sing ‘Perfect Day’ and ‘Beautiful Day’ with Bono. The performance inspired more than a dozen bidders to compete for the piano, which was finally won by philanthropist Stewart Rahr for $1.9 million.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: The Edge attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: The Edge attends Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

Later in the evening, lot 23, the Azzedine Alaïa pink couture long ruffle dress, was revealed in the salesroom worn by supermode Christy Turlington before it sold to applause for $149,000. The final surprise of the evening came at the end of the auction when the Gretsch Electromatic “(RED) Zero Generation” Bono “Signature” Guitar was added to the auction and sold for $250,000.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Actress Hayden Panettiere attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Actress Hayden Panettiere attends Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Jenna Bush Hager (L) and Barbara Bush attend Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Jenna Bush Hager (L) and Barbara Bush attend Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

After the final fall of the hammer, guests made their way to Sotheby’s spectacular 10th floor galleries to be entertained at the after party by Nile Rodgers and Chic, as well as Angelique Kidjo.
>> NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Courtney Love attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Courtney Love attends Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Model Helena Christensen attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Model Helena Christensen attends Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for (RED))

Here’s the gossip:
During the auction, Chris Martin joined Bono onstage for two surprise performances including “Beautiful Day” utilizing a Steinway Parlor Grand “Model A” piano from auction lot #12. The performance raised the final price of the piano to a winning bid of $1,925,000.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Gina Gershon attends the VIP Reception at Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Gina Gershon attends the VIP Reception at Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Missy Brody (L) and Salman Rushdie attend the VIP Reception at Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Missy Brody (L) and Salman Rushdie attend the VIP Reception at Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for (RED))

Actress Hayden Panettiere mentioned that she was particularly interested in auction lot #14 which consisted of a Leica Digital Rangefinder Camera. The camera ended up selling with a winning bid of $1,805,000.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Bono (L) and Chris Martin perform onstage during Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Bono (L) and Chris Martin perform onstage during Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

Jenna Bush Hager was overheard congratulating Bono on the (RED) Auction’s success in the VIP room of the after-party. Bush Hager was in great spirits and was inseparable from her sister for most of the evening.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Christy Turlington (R) onstage during Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Christy Turlington (R) onstage during Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

Leonardo DiCaprio made a surprise visit to the (RED) Auction after-party, keeping a low profile in an overcoat and news-boy cap. He was joined by Victoria Secret model and girlfriend Toni Garrn. 
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Christy Turlington attends Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: Christy Turlington attends Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

Courtney Love was glowing in a skin tight Herve Leger dress. She was in good spirits seen mingling with auction guests.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Niles Rodgers, Bono, Angelique Kidjo and The Edge perform onstage at the After Party for Jony And Marc's (RED) Auction at Sotheby's on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: (L-R) Niles Rodgers, Bono, Angelique Kidjo and The Edge perform onstage at the After Party for Jony And Marc’s (RED) Auction at Sotheby’s on November 23, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for (RED))

Meg Ryan kept a low profile, dressed casually in black, seen previewing some of the key auction items.

MonaLisa Twins | Music Profile

MonaLisa Twins have made an amazing collaborative time-lapse music video

 

The band said, “We were thinking about a creative way to get lots of people involved in a connecting, artistic project, all in the spirit of the song title “When We’re Together”. We were curious about how many people would pause their activities out of their love for adventure to be part of a spontaneous happening. We installed a canvas on the walls of Stables Market in Camden, London’s world-famous art district. We ourselves started with a big red heart in the center. Pedestrians joined in and added their ideas and colors to the painting.
girls with guitars, MonaLisa Twins, music, music profile,
We were overwhelmed by the dedication of stangers, joining in to
create a collective, beautiful artpiece together. Businessmen, cyclists, musicians, children and elderly people alike were painting side by side, laughing and sharing their thoughts and even very personal stories. This day was just more evidence for us how much the arts are able to lift spirits and make people happy. It was only later that we realized that the project also fitted quite well with our (band) name MonaLisa. Artistic all the way ;)”
The painting from the video is up for auction here.

Check out their other recent video with a distinctly different, more sombre feel for “The Wide, Wide Land”, a song written as a musical farewell for their Grandmother, who suffered with Alzheimer’s for many years.

 

Band: MonaLisa Twins
Location: Austria, UK
CD: “When We’re Together”
Styles: 60s Pop, 60ies Rock ‘n’ Roll, Beat music, British Invasion – with
elements of Folk, Latin, Psychedelic
Similar to: Jake Bugg, The Belle Brigade, She & Him, The Last Shadow Puppets, Never Shout Never
Influences: 60ies Backbeat music, The (Early) Beatles, The Easy Beats,
Donovan, The Monkeys, Bob Dylan, Simon&Garfunkel, Pink Floyd
Members/Instruments:
Mona Wagner – Vocals, Guitars, Blues Harp
Lisa Wagner – Vocals, Guitars, Ukulele
The Beat is back! The MonaLisa Twins are one of the very few modern bands
who write original songs in the 60’s Beat music tradition, reviving the
genre with a modern, fresh twist without sounding pop-ish or trivial. On
their debut album “When We’re Together” they present the finest Rock ‘n’
Roll and Beat music, skillfully venturing out in Psychedelic, Folk and even
Latin genres, inspired by the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Simon &
Garfunkel. Their signature features are polyphonic harmonies and a wiry,
bright guitar sound. The even mix of fun and depth in their music and lyrics brings back the spirit of this time and therefore speaks to a wide range of international audiences.
While listening to and playing all different kinds of music genres in their
youth the girls stayed with the 60’s songwriting style, something they think is way too much neglected these days: “We aim to write songs which we ourselves would like to listen to and we always loved the spiritual,
humorous and true-to-life mindset of the 60’s. However we aren’t nostalgic
about it or trying to be “retro”. We simply believe that something great had been started in this era that is worthy of being continued.”
The core of the band are two 19 year old girls, actual twins named Mona and
Lisa. Originally from Austria, they toured extensively, performing in the USA, Australia and UK in their teens. They started out with cover songs on YouTube and released two CDs with covers in 2007 and 2008. At 16 they
decided to go for a professional music career and began to record their debut album “When We’re Together” which was released in 2012. Since then they’ve played many live shows in small to medium-sized venues and festivals in Continental Europe, playing to new audiences and raising interest for their own music. Besides being played on Austrian radio stations they are increasingly conquering the Anglo-American music markets with regular airplay and doing radio and TV interviews in the USA and UK as well. They also produced a decent number of high quality music videos which have garnered a total of nearly 2 million views and over 4,500 subscribers on YouTube so far.
Moving forward, for the rest of 2013 Mona and Lisa are dedicated to work on releasing more music videos and writing new songs.

Celebrities help WWF go ‘under the hammer’ for tigers

WWF supporters, Kelly Hoppen, Graeme Le Saux and Jo wood will today help launch a special online auction, raising funds for tiger conservation.

Items ranging from tiger print Jimmy Choo shoes to an eco-gold tiger paw bracelet, exclusively co-designed by Sabine Roemer and Jo Wood, will be available to bid for. The auction began at 10am Friday 1 June and will end at 12pm Friday 10 August 2012. To make your bid you can go to: www.wwf.org.uk/auction4tigers

The auction follows on from WWF’s Year of the Tiger campaign which began in 2010 – the Chinese year of the tiger – and aims to double wild tiger numbers by the next year of the tiger, in 2022.

Auctions items:

• Jimmy Choo Bag

• Jimmy Choo Shoes

• Tiger print signed by Ronnie Wood

• Tiger t-shirt and swimming costume designed by Melissa Odabash

• 18ct tiger necklace by Fifi Bijoux

• Signed Andy Murray t-shirt from Australian Open 2012

• 100cm tiger plush toy donated by Keel Toys

• Kelly Hoppen Design School place – Sept 2012

• Handcrafted bracelet by Sabine Roemer co-designed with Jo wood

• Panda print signed by Sir Peter Scott, WWF’s Founding Chairman

• 12 month WWF tiger adoption pack and Panda Made Me Do It t-shirt

• Tiger print by wildlife photographer Roger Hooper

Heather Sohl, senior species policy officer at WWF-UK said:

“There are now thought to be as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, and their numbers have fallen by about 95 per cent over the last century. Wild tigers desperately need our support if they are to survive. By taking part in WWF’s online auction you can make a bid and help raise crucial funds to protect them from threats such as poaching and habitat loss. Plus, it’s not every day that you can get yourself a pair of tiger print Jimmy Choo’s and do your bit to help save a species! We really appreciate the support we have received from Kelly, Graeme and Jo, and initiatives like this will go a long way to help WWF’s work to double wild tiger numbers by 2022.”

For more information, or to make a bid, please visit: www.wwf.org.uk/auction4tigers