The Weekender – High End Weekly™

The Art of Serenity

Menla Mountain Retreat

Nature Strikes the Perfect Balance

Imagine being in a place where your mobile service is deemed “unavailable” for the most time, and there is unlimited access to the rest of the world via the media, or internet. And guess what? It is all A-ok with you. Many such places exist around the world. How marvelous that this type of place exists just a few hours away from Manhattan, and that the experience left me with memories that are ones of the sweetest kind. Menla Mountain Retreat & Conference Center sits on 320 acres in the very heart of the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York. It is a serene place where you can relax, enjoy your privacy, get in touch with nature and reflect on the importance of a peaceful and meaningful life. The facilities surrounding this retreat are also a place where one can hold their conferences, enjoy a variety of workshops that are convened by Tibet House USA. Menla is a seriously beautiful place that is well known for its Wellness Spa which incorporates Tibetan, Aryuvedic and Western healing arts.

This quiet and engaging place offers a variety of activities that make up the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend of R&R. During my visit, approximately three weeks ago, I indulged in the services of their superb, and beautifully designed spa by famed interior designer and architect, Clodagh. The retreat, which is owned by Robert and Nena Thurman, provides several incredible hiking tours to the impressive Giant Ledge-Panther-Fox Hollow Trail. They have a Yoga Studio, various wellness activities and let us not forget some of the most delicious, vegetarian food in the east side. The facility and surroundings are immensely serene, and it was truly magnificent to witness nature striking the perfect chord, as I enjoyed a weekend getaway that is sure to command many returns and lots of happy memories.

Hiking

The Wellness Center

Robert Thurman, Clodagh, and Nena Thurman

The Conference Center at Menla

Healthy & Fine Cuisine

Menla’s Chef

Thank you Andrew Joseph for inviting me to one of the most beautiful places on earth

Interior Designer, Clodagh chatting with the press and the Menla chef

Shopping

Clodagh

Mahasukha Spa

Getting ready for my spa appointments

Exquisite details of an ancient Tibetan silk textile

Lodgings

The Grounds

Images by High End Weekly™
All rights reserved

Out On The Town: This Month’s Hottest Events

Clockwise: David Patrick Columbia and Vyna St. Phard (Doyle New York), Felicia Zwebner, Bryant Keller, Jennifer Duneier (Irene Mamiye Gallery), Thom Filicia (Mandarin Hotel), Solstiss Lace showroom, Nicky Haslam and Vyna St. Phard (Baroncelli), Irene Mamiye

and Stephen Dweck (Irene Mamiye Gallery).

Kips Bay President’s Dinner

One week ago at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the annual Kips Bay President’s Dinner raised over $500,000 for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. It was a great evening that gathered New York’s influencers and design elite including Dennis Basso, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Tony Ingrao, Randy Kemper, Vicente Wolf, Thom Filica, Bunny Williams, Margaret Russell, Mario Buatta, Richard and Marcia Mishaan, Jim Lebenthal, and James Huniford, among many others. The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club choir also treated guests to two performances throughout the evening, the first was ’96,000’ from the Broadway hit In The Heights, the second was ‘The Prayer’, originally performed by Andrea Bocelli.

James Druckman, Tony Ingrao, Margaret Russell, Randy Kemper, Richard Mishaan, Jennifer Steinbrenner, Bunny Williams, Jamie Drake, Daniel Quintero

Tony Ingrao, Margaret Russell, Randy Kemper

Richard Mishaan, Margaret Russell

Thom Filicia

Bunny Williams

Richard Mishaan, Marcia Mishaan

Mario Buatta, Patricia Sovern

Susan Henshaw Jones, James Lebanthal

Jennifer Steinbrenner, Daniel Quitero

Michael Bruno, Lizzy Fraser, Mario Buatta

Kips Bay Boys & Girls

Photo courtesy Patrick McMullan

Irene Mamiye Soho Gallery Opening

New York-based artist Irene Mamiye opens a gallery space at 89 Spring Street in Soho to showcase her fine art photography, furniture from the Chroma Collection, design and video. Mamiye is best known for incorporating various digital imaging techniques into her fine art photography. Inspired by light, color and movement, her work explores the intricate relationship between her complex personal history, the camera’s unique relation to reality, and the visionary possibilities of digital imaging. Mamiye’s work has been exhibited in prestigious national venues, including: Phillips De Pury & Company, Sotheby’s, Art Basel/Miami, HW Gallery in Naples, Hamburg Kennedy NY and East Hampton, 212 Gallery in Aspen, and Cheryl Hazan Gallery NY.

Irene Mamiye

Irene Mamiye Gallery in Soho

Irene Mamiye and Stephen Dweck

Felicia Zwebner and Charles Mamiye

Bryant Keller and Suzanne Eason

Alberto Villalobos and Mercedes Desio

Dana and Jennifer Duneier

Felicia Zwebner, Bryant Keller, Jennifer Duneier

Randall Tarasuk and Charles Pavarini III

Jack Lynch and Steven Stolman

Michael Gabriel and Eric Hilton

Elyse Mamiye

Nina Reeves and Beth Mitchell

Alyson Mamiye, Lisa Mitchell and Nicole Cohen

Photos courtesy Norbert Schramm

Paris in the Springtime

Capucine Café de la Paix, 1950

The Art of Georges Dambier

One of the great things about photography, I think, is the fact that it places you in the “right here, right now” setting, no matter how long ago that setting was. It’s all about the scenes we are familiar with, places that we love to revisit. In this case, the place is Paris, and the photography is from Georges Dambier (1925-2011). During its cultural elevation – right at the end of the second world war, Dambier, then 20 years old, captured the city of lights, and all of its vibrant nightlife, glamorous celebrities, and the typical elegant Parisiens. After exploring all of his muses, and inspirations, with a penchant for graphic design and aesthetics, and his liking for refined mise-en-scene, he was lead towards the inevitable – fashion photography.

Karen Blanguernon Montmartre, Magazine Elle, 1959

Sophie Litvak bus stop, Magazine Elle, 1952

Sophie Litvak and little dog, Magazine Elle, 1952

Gunilla Parking

Marie Helene Arnaud the red fish, Magazine Elle, 1957

Simone d’Aillencourt MG Girl, 1957

Sophie Litvak Avenue Messine, Magazine Elle, 1953

Sophie Litvak sac à main

Catherine Hotel Palace Biarritz

Pin up Deauville

Catherine Surfboard Biarritz

Fille Colonne Morris Magazine Jardin des modes

Bettina Miro

Suzy Parker Tour Eiffel

Marie Helene Arnaud Cap d’Antibes Mirror

Suzy Parker with red tulips

Dorian Leigh Cheminée, Magazine Nouveau Fémina, 1954

Suzy Parker Casablanca Airport, Magazine Elle, 1953

Images credited to Peter Fetterman Gallery

Take Me To The South Of France

Provence, France

How do I began putting down in words how much this region means to me? Ideally situated between the Mediterranean sea, and the South of France, Provence is where I have some amazing close and supportive friends, clients who have incredibly sentimental views of their homes and lifestyles, it is where architecture speaks and tugs at my heart, lavender fields that I long to see all year round. I love the region’s fine cuisine, street fairs, daily marchées, but what makes it extra special is the warmth and excellent vibration of the people of Provence. They are among some of the warmest and kindest folks that I’ve had the privilege of meeting. Of course, there’s so much more behind these statements, but I’ll let these stunning pictures tell a story of their own. Bon weekend to you all!

Photo via Les Tours Dhorloge

Photo via Backroads.com

Photo via Flickr (Tame 1954)

Photo via decordeprovence.blogpost.com

Photo via Weheartit.com

Photo via Flickr (Julia Fredenburg)

Unless otherwise noted, all of the above photos are via Pinterest

Highly Recommended Reading

Vyna St Phard in front of La Place et l’hotel d’Albertas

Provence 2000

Photo High End Weekly™

Legendary Luxury Hotels to Fall in Love With

Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo

The Suite Life

Visit our Top 7 choices of the most glamorous places to stay this holiday season.

Signature Suite at Hôtel Metropole

The Bentley suite at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City

Bentley theme suite, St Regis, NY

The newly renovated Hotel Jerome, in Aspen Colorado has never looked better

English elegance at the Madarin Oriental, London

The Mandarin Oriental, London

Laurence of Morroco, Tangier

The lure and excitement of being in Tangier rises to the top at the Laurence of Morroco Hotel

One of the few places where great fashion ideas took shape: The Coco Chanel Suite at The Ritz, Paris

The Elton John Suite at The Ritz Hotel, Paris

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

Classic American Style at its Best

Joseph Abboud’s Classic Tuxedo

The British have Savile Row, and Italians are well known for their fashion savor fair, and everything sartorial. And in America, we have some of the most trail blazing fashion designers. Joseph Abboud has long been recognized as having his own brand of classic style, and is by large a “style guardian”. In 1981, he began working along side the American Style Icon Ralph Lauren, and thus started his namesake label in 1986.

Written by Mark Scott
Joseph Abboud Super 120s Wool Tuxedo
photo via suitored.com

Joseph Abboud has furnished everyone from athletes, musicians and businessmen to everyday Men of Style (such as myself). His unique style is classic but still very relevant to American Fashion. In February 2013, I will look forward, once more, to the spin he puts on American Style during Fashion Week in New York!

photo via Joseph Abboud

Jospeh Abboud’s Runway Show/2013

photo via The Fine Young Gentleman

photo via Joseph Abboud

Cufflinks by Joseph Abboud

photo via modnique.com

Joseph Abboud’s Home Collection

via Joseph Abboud

Joseph Abboud’s runway show/2012

photo via Fresher than Chris

Joseph Abboud, Spring 2013

photo via The Fine Young Gentleman

Fashion designer, Joseph Abboud

Bedecked and Bejeweled

Mrs. Charles Wrightsman

Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels Sale

If you didn’t make it to the Magnificent Jewels Exhibition today at Sotheby’s York Avenue Galleries, I strongly suggest you do so by December 4. The famed auction house had one of their spectacular sale last September, during the auction of “Property from the Estate of Brooke Astor”, which culminated in an impressive selection of Mrs. Astor’s famed jewels. And now they’re having another important jewelry sale on December 5th, as they’ll be offering an impressive array of jewelry owned by leading women of New York: Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder, and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman.

The auctions of Magnificent Jewels will include important white and colored diamonds from additional private collections, as well as an assortment of period and signed jewels. The all day sale will be divided into three sessions. It will start with Mrs. Charles Wrightman’s Jewelry collection, afterwards, the Evelyn and Estée Lauder’s sale which will lead into the various jewelry collections sale. During the press preview, I was informed by one of their specialist that that very same day, they will hold a Timepiece, and an Antique sale as well. In case you’re unable to make it to this extraordinary auction of antique jewelry, it is a comfort knowing that Sotheby’s has a permanent department of Contemporary Diamonds sold at retail prices. It is by appointment only.

Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder Collections

Botton right: 18 karat white gold, diamond and ruby ‘Love’ bracelet, France

Top left: Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Diamond Pendant-Necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels, New York 1978, from the collection of Estée Lauder.

Set with a heart-shaped Fancy Intense Yellow diamond weighing 47.14 carats, formelry in the collection of hte Duchess of Windsor (pictured top right)

Evelyn H. Lauder at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Annual Hot Pink Party, 2011

Top right: 18 karat gold, platinum, coral, diamond and emerald brooch, David Webb

Bottom right: 18 karat gold, platinum, diamond colored stone and enamel bangle-bracelet, also by David Webb

Left: 18 karat gold, ruby, emerald and diamond evening bag, David Webb.

18 karat two-color gold and sapphire evening bag, Bulgari (centered)

From the Collection of Evelyn Lauder, sold to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Mrs. Charles Wrightsman

Left: Diamond Ribbon Bow Brooch, circa 1840, formerly in the Collection of HRH Princess Marina,

Duchess of Kent

Top Left: Mrs Wrighsman’s Platinum, 18 karat White Gold, Coral Onyx and Diamond Wilting Hibiscus necklace, designed by Suzanne Belperron, 1932-1940. Pair of platinum, carved coral,

onyx and diamond ear clips, verdura, 1986

Speaking of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, Hamish Bowles, International Editor At Large of Vogue wrote

“She continues to exert a powerful mystique, aura of elegance and absolute sense of connoisseurship over the younger generation.”

Various Jewelry Collections

Platinum and diamond double clip-brooch, circa 1930

Approximately 10.25 carats

Pair of 18 karat white gold and diamond ear clips, with interchangeable pendants

High End Weekly™ Images

Drama At The Table

Photo credit Chronicle/Eric Luse

How To Decorate Your Tables – Beautifully

My gift to you today is a series of dramatic table settings that I’ve collected from the Internet over the years. No doubt you appreciate the pleasure and the importance of preparing a meal, and setting an elegant table as you get together with your friends and families. So today, as you welcome them in your homes and ultimately your tables, why not do so with a bit of flair, and a lot of drama?

Simple and personal touches at the table equal lasting memories

Photo via Brunch at SAKS

Centerpieces are key to any table settings. It’s important for the eye to wonder and fantasy, especially when the conversation around the table gets a bit dull

Black and white is the new black. Seeing these bold stripes at an outdoor table setting is “a good thing”. It makes a lasting impression, even if the flowers were absent from the table

Bountiful: Preston Bailey’s over the top, yet elegant table setting

Breaking bread: The folks at Le Pain Quotidien always manage to create a dramatic table, even with they bare-polished furniture

Elegant: Greek keys, monograms and zig zags… Who could ask for anything more?

Photo via Reasons to Breathe

Lost in the woods: This setting is by far one of the most interesting ones. It provides a means to escape, and be wrapped up – In The Moment

Photo credit Chronicle/Eric Luse

I would of liked to see a bit more color here, especially since all the flowers are white. However, the peacock provides plenty of that – even though it is neutral

Monique Lhuilier’s Table Setting

Shine on: Nothing says drama, and romance than candlesticks

Okay, we get it! Audrey equals drama!

Photo credit Timothy Kilk, via Elle Decor

Outdoor festivities are always a great ideas. Even in the winter

All other images via Pinterest

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

Is Daniel Day-Lewis The World’s Greatest Actor?

Academy award actor, Daniel Day-Lewis

There’s been more than 15K books written about Abraham Lincoln. Yet to the general public, Lincoln remains an enigma, the man himself dubbed his persona as “strange”. I wouldn’t pretend to be an expert on Lincoln, but I will say that I know a lot about Daniel Day-Lewis (over the years, I’ve accumulated countless of scrap books about the actor’s personal life, and career). Daniel has been an inspiration, and I’ve admired his acting skills since I was 18 years old. Although I do not have a razor sharp memory of each and every single moments of his earlier films, I found his performances in My Left Foot, The Last of The Mohicans, There Will Be Blood – unforgettable. Even his less known films left a tremendous impact on my view of him. When I look back at his one-liner, tornado force introduction in Gandhi, I knew even then that he was destined for greatness.

And so decades, Daniel Day-Lewis has been called to the world’s stage to show, once again, his immense power as this generation greatest actor (I’m all in agreement with Time Magazine). It makes sense that he went out of his way to pursue the lead role in a film that delves into the portrayal of a president that was revered, and will so far be remembered as the greatest president of all time.

Left: The official movie poster of Lincoln. Right: DDL on the cover of Time Magazine

A Room with A View (Daniel Day-Lewis shaking hands with Helena Bonham Carter)

Daniel Day-Lewis

The Age of Innocence: Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood

Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln

Let’s Meet at Vallois!

Rachid Khimoune next to his Strange Fruit Installation

Out & About

Friedman & Vallois hosted a successful art opening this past Thursday evening at their posh gallery location on East 64th Street. For the very first time in New York, an exclusive showing of French artist Rachid Khimoune‘s avant garde pieces were on display. The exhibition opened on November 8th and will run until December 21. Look for my brief interview with the artist tomorrow morning. And for additional images of the party, visit our Facebook page.