The Steeple Times

Tag: collection

  • The Art of The Tablescape

    The Art of The Tablescape

    ‘Tables d’Exception’ launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair

     

    On 29th November 2018, the extremely connected and delightfully affable Alexandra Foley organised a party for her client the French interior architect and antique tableware collector Hubert de Vinols at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London’s Berkeley Square showroom in Mayfair.

     

    Showcasing Mr de Vinols’ ‘Tables d’Exception’ concept – whereby the ultimate lunch and dinner parties are created with antique ‘tablescapes’ inspired by the grand styles of the 18th and 19th centuries – the event not only offered guests a chance to view these ‘for hire’ works of art, but also a chance to begin what was one of the busiest Christmas party seasons in recent years in London in style.

     

    Amongst those present were Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown, Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.

     

    Of his reasoning to introduce his company into the UK to serve “à la française,” Vinols told The Steeple Times:

     

    “I wish for Tables d’Exception to enable a return to refined entertaining, where a beautiful setting inspires convivial discourse. Tables d’Exception is the ‘Go To’ for generous hosts who want to entertain at the highest level, in the spirit of the Gilded Age and Belle Époque.”

     

    Photographs: Courtesy of Edward Lloyd and David Kerr.

     

    Pictured top: Hubert de Vinols, Heather Bird Tchenguiz and Matthew Steeples.

     

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    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    An example of Hubert de Vinol’s work
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Another option for those hiring his antique tableware
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Organiser of the event The Hon. Alexandra Foley with Matthew Steeples and Marie-Athena Papathanasiou
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Dr Mark Collins and David Jenkins
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Basia Briggs
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Melleney Samsudin
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Dafydd Jones and Liz Brewer
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Lord Oxmantown and William Hanson
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Navjot Dhanoa, Matthew Steeples and Christopher Harrgreaves
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Constantin Gordon and friend
    The Art of The Tablescape – London launch of Tables d’Exception – Tables d’Exception by Hubert de Vinols launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair by Alexandra Foley, 29th November 2018 – Guests included Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.
    Richard Martyn-Hemphill and Matthew Steeples
  • Hit the Road Marilyn

    Hit the Road Marilyn

    Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned

     

    A 1956 Ford Thunderbird gifted as a Christmas present to Marilyn Monroe in 1955 by her business partner, the photographer Milton Greene, is to be auctioned in November.

     

    The raven black roadster bodied automatic – dubbed a “personal luxury car” by Ford – comes with numerous documents  and of it, the current owner comments:

     

    “I found the vehicle in lovely show condition. Nevertheless, the car has received a frame-off restoration to its exact original appearance by Prestige Thunderbird, Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, CA. Prestige is the premier west coast firm specializing only in classic 1955, 1956, and 1957 Ford Thunderbirds. In recognition of the car’s important provenance, special heed was given to the retention of original parts, with most driver and passenger touch surfaces left undisturbed.”

     

    “Finding this car, a classic two-seater model, after 56 plus years of its unknown whereabouts, was a singular event. No other car has been located and documented as owned by the incomparable Marilyn Monroe.”

     

    Speaking of the 225 horsepower, V8 engined vehicle, Amy Greene, wife of Milton Greene, remarked:

     

    “Marilyn liked to drive. We’d take the convertible and with the top down, we’d go sailing along the highway. We both liked to feel the wind in our faces and the warmth of the heater on our legs.”

     

    Kept and driven by the icon for six years, Monroe and her playwright husband Arthur Miller drove the Thunderbird to their civil wedding ceremony on 28th June 1956 and likely also to their private wedding on 30th June 1956. The vehicle was subsequently ‘regifted’ t to John Strasberg, the son the director and acting coach Lee Strasberg, as an 18th birthday present in 1962. It comes with a black canvas convertible top, a porthole windowed hardtop and has 30,399 miles on the odometer following an engine rebuild.

     

    Darren Julien, president of Julien’s – the firm conducting the sale – added:

     

    “Once in a while something comes along that has a powerful magic about it, a charisma, because of everything and everyone associated with it. This wonderful Ford Thunderbird is not only part of automotive history but comes with an aura of glamour, romance and tragedy of a true Hollywood legend. It will make the centrepiece of any classic car collection and be an object of fascination to millions.”

     

    Julien’s Auctions will offer the car at their ‘Icons and Idols: Hollywood’ on 17th November in Los Angeles, California. They have set an estimate of £230,000 to £384,000 ($300,000 to $500,000, €262,000 to €436,000 or درهم1.1 million to درهم1.8 million).

     

    2018 photos: Courtesy of Julien’s Auctions.

     

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    Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018. Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.Hit the Road Marilyn – Marilyn Monroe’s 1956 Ford Thunderbird to be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles, California on 17th November 2018.

  • An Idea Car

    An Idea Car

    Futuristic 1952 Chrysler styling prototype to be auctioned in New York; its “wild technology” includes a hydraulically operated spare wheel

     

    Concept cars don’t generally go far and most end up sidelined to the world of dreams, but a 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia headed to auction in December is something quite to the contrary.

     

    Described as an ‘Idea Car’ and the product of a collaboration between Chrysler’s Virgil Exner Sr. (1909 – 1973) and Ghia’s Felice Mario Boano (1903 – 1989) – the designer of the Ferrari 250 GT Boano – the D’Elegance was built on a shortened 292 centimetre chassis and comes with two comfortable armchairs, power steering and electric windows.

     

    What makes this car standout, however, are its gunsight taillights, distinctive egg-crate grille and “wild technology” such as a rear deck lid with a hydraulically operated full-size spare wheel that raises and lowers at the touch of a switch.

     

    Described by Virgil Exner Jr. as “one of my father’s favourite cars” in 2011, the D’Elegance now comes with a 1956 vintage 354 Hemi V8 engine and a pedigree that includes ownership in the Blackhawk Collection, winning a special class of Chrysler Concepts at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and having been driven through the Alps from Monaco to Venice as part of the Louis Vuitton Classic Serenissima Run.

     

    RM Sotheby’s will sell the fully restored car with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million) at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on the 6th December.

     

    An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million) An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)An Idea Car – 1952 Chrysler D’Elegance by Ghia – To be sold by RM Sotheby’s at their ‘Icons’ sale in New York on 6th December 2017 with an estimate of £682,000 to £834,000 ($900,000 to $1.1 million, €771,000 to €943,000 or درهم3.3 million to درهم4 million)

  • Gone with the Joseffs

    Gone with the Joseffs

     

    (If you decide to purchase through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more)

    Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles

     

    Gone with the Wind is undoubtedly one of the all-time classic films. It took in excess of $390 million at the box office, won an astonishing eight Academy Awards in 1940 and propelled the careers of both Clark Gable (Rhett Butler) and Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara) into the stratosphere.

     

    Now, in November in California, a diamond and amethyst necklace worn by Leigh in the film will be sold at auction with an estimate of £45,000 to £61,000 ($60,000 to $80,000, €50,000 to €66,000 or درهم220,000 to درهم294,000) alongside a cigarette case used by Gable (estimate: £30,000 to £45,000, $40,000 to $60,000, €33,000 to €50,000 or درهم147,000 to درهم220,000).

    Gone with the Joseffs – Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles by Julien’s Auctions on 17th and 18th November.
    Eugene Joseff pictured in the crown and sceptre worn by Ronald Colman in “The Prisoner of Zenda” (1937) and Vivien Leigh in Joseff with Clark Gable in “Gone with the Wind” (1939)

    This pair of Gone with the Wind memorabilia, which will be sold by Julien’s Auctions, forms part of a 500-piece collection from the vault of Eugene Joseff (1905 – 1948), an advertising executive turned jeweller to Hollywood’s superstars. Joseff’s primary success stemmed from the fact he developed a matte metal finish for his jewellery that minimised the glare from the strong studio lights and thus everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe wore his pieces. Though this talented designer tragically died in a plane crash, his family continue to operate the firm Joseff of Hollywood and aside from making jewellery now also produce aerospace castings for radar, guided missiles, computers, and electro-mechanical systems.

     

    Of the collection, Martin Nolan of Julien’s Auctions commented:

     

    “The Joseff Collection that has been consigned to Julien’s Auctions is the single most important collection of film-worn jewellery ever to come to the market. This historic cache, stored in a Hollywood warehouse for decades is the very stuff of Hollywood history and legend. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of film history that was designed and manufactured to dazzle, as each piece had to compete with the wearer, the most beautiful women in the world.”

     

    Julien’s Auctions will sell the collection on 17th and 18th November at their Los Angeles Gallery.

     

    Gone with the Joseffs – Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles by Julien’s Auctions on 17th and 18th November.
    The Vivien Leigh necklace by Eugene Joseff
    Gone with the Joseffs – Vivien Leigh’s necklace and Clark Gable’s cigarette case from ‘Gone with the Wind’ to be sold at auction in Los Angeles by Julien’s Auctions on 17th and 18th November.
    The Clark Gable cigarette case by Eugene Joseff

    At a slightly different point but nevertheless cut, here are three jewelry items to consider if you’re looking for gift ideas…
    Here are 3 we found that are cute and affordable:
    1) Gorgeous ring for Mum? – this ring for Mum will make her eyes light up on Mother’s Day, or just about any other day for that matter. A casual, versatile ring that can be worn with just about anything, day or night, it’s a perfect complement to any outfit or occasion.
    2) Need a pretty gift for a dog lover? – This cute puppy paw necklace is a pet-friendly addition for any puppy lover, young or old. Whether it’s a birthday gift or just a gift to say thank you, the recipient will be over the moon!
    3) Cute leaf earrings for a nature lover perhaps? – these cute earrings can be worn day or night with just about any outfit. A nice addition to jazz up your day and look and feel great.

  • Trevor Hemmings CVO

    Trevor Hemmings CVO

    Reclusive yet charming “leisure entrepreneur” Trevor Hemmings owns over 100 racehorses, lives primarily on the Isle of Man and generously funded the SAFE centre to help victims of sexual violence in Preston, Lancashire.

     

    This “publicity averse” self-made father of four’s Grand National winning horses have included Ballabriggs, Hedgehunter and Many Clouds and other assets in his collection have variously numbered Blackpool Tower and Preston North End Football Club. He also harbours a love for vintage Rolls-Royces and was considered a “surrogate son” by the equally shrewd late businessman and holiday camp owner Sir Fred Pontin (1906 – 2000).

     

    Of his success, in a rare interview in 2015, this cloth capped “earthy” gent modestly remarked:

     

    “In my business life I’ve had to climb the business and financial ladder by doing better next year than I did last year and that’s what life’s about. You have to work longer hours than everybody and you have to be on site seven days a week. Today I’m available seven days a week, people contact me seven days a week, let’s put it like that”.

     

    Reclusive “leisure entrepreneur” and racing obsessive Trevor HemmingsPictured above: Trevor Hemmings with Grand National winners Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs at Ballaseyr, Andreas.

     

  • Martin Raffa – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    Martin Raffa – What’s on your mantelpiece?

    A 20-question interview with Paris based fashion designer Martin Raffa

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    The search beauty and harmony. From an early age, I understood the importance of both in my entourage.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    “Beauty is interior”.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2017?

    The mediatic terrorism of the Kardashian family.

     

    Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

    Palm trees and tropical rainforest vegetation.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    For God to grant me an obedient heart.

     

    Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the state of the financial system?

    I don’t understand much about finance, but I think the worst thing of all is that there is a lack of help to help small entrepreneurs since they are the true wealth creators.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    “It’s impossible to achieve”.

     

    In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

    Personally, I work with friends to create an association protect animals. I especially like protecting dogs.

     

    The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

    Being connected is great, but do not be connected for too long.

     

    If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

    I would invite Andy Warhol so we could have great pictures, Truman Capote to enjoy great conversations, Marvin Gaye for the music, Ferran Adrià to have great meals and my French bulldog, Batman.

    If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

    Soy risotto with oysters and black truffles at Le Sur Mesure by Thierry Marx at the Mandarin Oriental in Paris.

     

    What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

    It depends on the city. In Paris, it would be 6pm with my team at the office at the end of a long, productive day.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A martini, always.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    I enjoy my own pool parties the best.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Milagros Schmoll, my muse. She is an Argentinian artist and international model.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    To stay in bed in the morning playing with my dog Batman when I have a thousand things to do.

     

    If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

    A very fine line on my arm that could only be read with a magnifying glass. It would say: “The beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” (Oscar Wilde).

     

    If you were a car, what marque would you be?

    A black Aston Martin DB4 Zagato.

     

    Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

    When I was young, I spent three years in the navy. I was honoured as a submariner.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    Books about the photographer Steichen, a candle by Cire Trudon, lithospheres from Bernardaud and a big bottle of Sycomore by Chanel.

     

    Martin Raffa was born in Argentina of Italian origin. He was the first Argentinian designer to present a collection during the haute couture shows in Paris. He now works for private clients around the world. Contact him at [email protected]

     

    ‘Like’ his page on Facebook by clicking here.

     

  • Thatcher’s Jag

    Thatcher’s Jag

    Armoured Jaguar that served as Margaret Thatcher’s last car – and which was also used by David Cameron – sells at auction

    Offered with an estimate of £15,000 to £20,000 ($19,800 to $26,400 or €17,600 to €23,600), an armoured Jaguar XJ8 used by Margaret Thatcher sold at auction yesterday for £37,500 ($49,900 or €44,200).

    The 2006 long wheelbase saloon, the last official vehicle allocated to the late Baroness Thatcher by The Government Car Service, a division of the Department for Transport, was paid for by HM Treasury and funds raised from its sale will go back to the department.

    Christie’s South Kensington sold the vehicle as part of their annual ‘Out of the Ordinary’ sale. It was part of a collection owned by a Jersey based collector named David Gainsborough Roberts and featured armoured enhancement including titanium roof, ballistic steel armouring, under-floor Kevlar protection, bullet-resistant borosilicate glazing and tyres with run flat capability. It came with a certificate of authenticity signed by the Secretary of State, Patrick McLoughlin and has a gross weight of 3,200 kg.

    Of the sale, Gainsborough Roberts remarked:

    “After collecting for over 40 years the time has finally arrived to share my collection with the world”.

    “I hope my insatiable appetite for the curious, the famous and the infamous will inspire a new generation of custodians”.

    Thatcher’s Jaguar – Ex-Baroness Thatcher 2006 Jaguar XJ8 armoured saloon – Margaret Thatcher – Christie’s South Kensington Out of the Ordinary sale – 14th September 2016 – Also used by David Cameron
    The car outside 10 Downing Street

    Thatcher’s Jaguar – Ex-Baroness Thatcher 2006 Jaguar XJ8 armoured saloon – Margaret Thatcher – Christie’s South Kensington Out of the Ordinary sale – 14th September 2016 – Also used by David Cameron
    The interior

    Thatcher’s Jaguar – Ex-Baroness Thatcher 2006 Jaguar XJ8 armoured saloon – Margaret Thatcher – Christie’s South Kensington Out of the Ordinary sale – 14th September 2016 – Also used by David Cameron
    Denis and Margaret Thatcher leaving Downing Street for the last time after she stood down as Prime Minister in another Jaguar

    Thatcher’s Jaguar – Ex-Baroness Thatcher 2006 Jaguar XJ8 armoured saloon – Margaret Thatcher – Christie’s South Kensington Out of the Ordinary sale – 14th September 2016 – Also used by David Cameron
    David Cameron in the car

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  • An XJS Celebration

    An XJS Celebration

    Future classic Jaguar XJS Celebration convertible offered for sale (more…)

  • Reader Offer: What makes art sell? – A panel debate

    Reader Offer: What makes art sell? – A panel debate

    ‘The Steeple Times’ invites readers to attend its first panel debate and drinks reception where the topic will be: “What makes art sell?” (more…)

  • An ace Bentley

    An ace Bentley

    Bentley once owned by chocolate tycoon and flying ace Sir Egbert Cadbury to be auctioned with a guide lower than the cost of its most recent renovation (more…)