Showing posts with label U.S.A.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S.A.. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Ivanka Trump
The Ace of Diamonds
"The first fashion show I attended was Valentino in Paris when I was six or seven," says the exceptionally poised Ivanka Trump, who sits across from me in her spacious Trump Tower corner office with a mega view, wearing Prada culottes, Asprey loafers, and a casual knit top. Her office walls are adorned with articles about herself and her family. "As long as I can remember I've always appreciated the finer things—whether they be jewelry or architecture." It is evident that if anyone has a keen eye for aesthetics it should be Ivanka, who undoubtedly learned about fashion and jewelry from her mother Ivana Trump. She says, "from a young age, I was exposed to a really amazing collection of fine jewelry, and I took my love of that from her."
Now 26 and very much a confident woman in her own right, Ivanka has just launched a diamond jewelry line that bears her name and is housed in a feminine, boudoir-inspired shop on Madison Avenue in New York. The line, which seeks to reinvent older Hollywood glamour by offering modern day interpretations of collections from the 1920s to the 1960s, includes engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. A delicate diamond oval, accented with coral detail, is the signifying emblem of the collection and is discreetly designed into each style. Her favourite piece from the collection is a pair of diamond briolette tassel earrings.
Already bullish about the success of her line, the Wharton grad has high hopes for the future, with plans to open shops in Las Vegas and Japan. All the while, she continues her rapid ascension in her father Donald Trump's empire: She was recently named director of the Trump Gaming Company, serves as the vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization, and is a boardroom advisor on The Apprentice.
Ivanka is not just beautiful; she is decidedly sexy—and not shy about it. Case in point, her recent story in Harper's Bazaar in which she appears on a construction site as a "Drill Sergeant" in Dior by Galliano heels, and a low cut Eres bathing suit. What's more—in the photo, she's pumping a drill. "I think you walk a thin line," says Ivanka. "The Harper's Bazaar [piece] was certainly the furthest I've ever crossed it in terms of what I would consider appropriate but I have to think about the fact that I'm 26 years old. There is a time and a place to do that type of stuff and have a little fun and laugh about the duality of the young girl/business individual. I'm much more self confident in my abilities and skills now so I don't think that stuff undermines me."
To me, Ivanka demonstrates the qualities a post-feminist icon—feminine and powerful while visibly dominating a man's world. Not scared by the F word, she takes my observation as a compliment and remembers how hard it was for her mother's generation to break into "the club." She also laments how "80s powersuits with big shoulder pads" made women appear masculine. Today, Ivanka tells me that she would have no qualms about showing up to the office in a pink suit.
When she's not busy being a Trump, I see glimmers of the softer, private Ivanka. In recalling a time when she felt true embarrassment, she shares an amusing story of her first day at boarding school when her wrap skirt fell off. "I walked half way across campus before realizing my skirt was half a mile back – that was awkward." Describing herself as "pretty mellow," she enjoys spending time with school pals she's known her whole life, watching cheesy 80s movies and eating mozzarella sticks. Of her personal convictions she's passionate, and speaks freely of her disdain for the Iraq war. "A great social injustice is that we are in Iraq – I spend a lot of my time thinking about that."
When asked what Ivanka would change about herself, she confesses, "I'd probably take more time to reflect—it's easy to get consumed with everything that's going on." And then, without missing a beat, she was off to a board meeting.
I can't help but wonder how she does it all, and what her average day entails. "There is no typical day. I don't think I'd be as excited about what I do in life if there were." She does, however, admit that she doesn't sleep much and works long hours, often with periods of lengthy travel. On weekends, she comes into the office to attend to "non time-sensitive initiatives."
It's clear that Ivanka is a hard worker. About those who have judged for her being spoiled, she says, "I think that I used the prejudgment or condescension of others to motivate me to push myself harder to do more. It made me more defiantly ambitious, if you will. I expect a lot from myself but there is something extremely motivating about knowing that people are underestimating you."
On the flip side, being born a Trump does have its privileges. "I never really wanted for much growing up. I didn't have to worry if I could afford to attend the college I was accepted to, or if I had a roof over my head. These are things we should not take lightly."
"The first fashion show I attended was Valentino in Paris when I was six or seven," says the exceptionally poised Ivanka Trump, who sits across from me in her spacious Trump Tower corner office with a mega view, wearing Prada culottes, Asprey loafers, and a casual knit top. Her office walls are adorned with articles about herself and her family. "As long as I can remember I've always appreciated the finer things—whether they be jewelry or architecture." It is evident that if anyone has a keen eye for aesthetics it should be Ivanka, who undoubtedly learned about fashion and jewelry from her mother Ivana Trump. She says, "from a young age, I was exposed to a really amazing collection of fine jewelry, and I took my love of that from her."
Now 26 and very much a confident woman in her own right, Ivanka has just launched a diamond jewelry line that bears her name and is housed in a feminine, boudoir-inspired shop on Madison Avenue in New York. The line, which seeks to reinvent older Hollywood glamour by offering modern day interpretations of collections from the 1920s to the 1960s, includes engagement rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. A delicate diamond oval, accented with coral detail, is the signifying emblem of the collection and is discreetly designed into each style. Her favourite piece from the collection is a pair of diamond briolette tassel earrings.
Already bullish about the success of her line, the Wharton grad has high hopes for the future, with plans to open shops in Las Vegas and Japan. All the while, she continues her rapid ascension in her father Donald Trump's empire: She was recently named director of the Trump Gaming Company, serves as the vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization, and is a boardroom advisor on The Apprentice.
Ivanka is not just beautiful; she is decidedly sexy—and not shy about it. Case in point, her recent story in Harper's Bazaar in which she appears on a construction site as a "Drill Sergeant" in Dior by Galliano heels, and a low cut Eres bathing suit. What's more—in the photo, she's pumping a drill. "I think you walk a thin line," says Ivanka. "The Harper's Bazaar [piece] was certainly the furthest I've ever crossed it in terms of what I would consider appropriate but I have to think about the fact that I'm 26 years old. There is a time and a place to do that type of stuff and have a little fun and laugh about the duality of the young girl/business individual. I'm much more self confident in my abilities and skills now so I don't think that stuff undermines me."
To me, Ivanka demonstrates the qualities a post-feminist icon—feminine and powerful while visibly dominating a man's world. Not scared by the F word, she takes my observation as a compliment and remembers how hard it was for her mother's generation to break into "the club." She also laments how "80s powersuits with big shoulder pads" made women appear masculine. Today, Ivanka tells me that she would have no qualms about showing up to the office in a pink suit.
When she's not busy being a Trump, I see glimmers of the softer, private Ivanka. In recalling a time when she felt true embarrassment, she shares an amusing story of her first day at boarding school when her wrap skirt fell off. "I walked half way across campus before realizing my skirt was half a mile back – that was awkward." Describing herself as "pretty mellow," she enjoys spending time with school pals she's known her whole life, watching cheesy 80s movies and eating mozzarella sticks. Of her personal convictions she's passionate, and speaks freely of her disdain for the Iraq war. "A great social injustice is that we are in Iraq – I spend a lot of my time thinking about that."
When asked what Ivanka would change about herself, she confesses, "I'd probably take more time to reflect—it's easy to get consumed with everything that's going on." And then, without missing a beat, she was off to a board meeting.
I can't help but wonder how she does it all, and what her average day entails. "There is no typical day. I don't think I'd be as excited about what I do in life if there were." She does, however, admit that she doesn't sleep much and works long hours, often with periods of lengthy travel. On weekends, she comes into the office to attend to "non time-sensitive initiatives."
It's clear that Ivanka is a hard worker. About those who have judged for her being spoiled, she says, "I think that I used the prejudgment or condescension of others to motivate me to push myself harder to do more. It made me more defiantly ambitious, if you will. I expect a lot from myself but there is something extremely motivating about knowing that people are underestimating you."
On the flip side, being born a Trump does have its privileges. "I never really wanted for much growing up. I didn't have to worry if I could afford to attend the college I was accepted to, or if I had a roof over my head. These are things we should not take lightly."
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Trump - aSmallworld.net magazine
"I tried on a 300,000-dollar necklace; it felt wonderful" managed to belt out Quest Magazine's Elizabeth Meigher as her car drove away from the Madison Avenue boutique on the night of February 5th. In this occasion, Ivanka Trump opened the doors of her recently inaugurated boutique, featuring her own jewellery collection, to ASW Members in celebration of Valentine's Day. The pieces, which sport an exquisitely tasteful signature oval shape, were the centre of attention of the evening and merged seamlessly in an Ivanka Trump-signature coral-tinted sea of New York ASW Members.
Ivanka Trump, Steve and Heather Mnuchin, ASW's Joe Robinson
As she walked through the flagship boutique, an effortlessly stunning Trump would come up to greet guests personally. "How are you? It's nice to see you. Thank you for coming," the New York Real Estate heiress would say. As for her favourite piece of jewellery in the room, Trump responded, " Too hard to tell. I like them all."
Eric and Kimberly Villency, Donald Jr. and Vanessa Trump
The guests—mostly gentlemen—were greeted by an assortment of Johnnie Walker Gold cocktails and were invited to peruse the collection in search of, as Trump herself put it, "the perfect Valentine's Day gift." Guests like Fabian Basabe, who made an appearance with pal Chudney Ross, also found it hard to choose a favourite: "They're all beautiful," Basabe said.
Some of the most notable guests in attendance included ASW's Joe Robinson, Holly Doran, and Sabine Heller along with Donald Trump Jr., Vanessa Trump, Dimitri de Yougoslavie, Vogue's Genevieve Bahrenberg, Addison O'Dea, Tara Subkoff, Nicola Blatsiotis, Alex Sapir, Steve and Heather Mnuchin, Joseph Varet, Pheobe Gubelmann and Eric Villency, who arrived accompanied by wife Kimberly. When asked about the jewellery, the furniture designer replied: "The collection is fantastic. She [Ivanka] did a great job."
Alonso Dominguez
Ivanka Trump, Steve and Heather Mnuchin, ASW's Joe Robinson
As she walked through the flagship boutique, an effortlessly stunning Trump would come up to greet guests personally. "How are you? It's nice to see you. Thank you for coming," the New York Real Estate heiress would say. As for her favourite piece of jewellery in the room, Trump responded, " Too hard to tell. I like them all."
Eric and Kimberly Villency, Donald Jr. and Vanessa Trump
The guests—mostly gentlemen—were greeted by an assortment of Johnnie Walker Gold cocktails and were invited to peruse the collection in search of, as Trump herself put it, "the perfect Valentine's Day gift." Guests like Fabian Basabe, who made an appearance with pal Chudney Ross, also found it hard to choose a favourite: "They're all beautiful," Basabe said.
Some of the most notable guests in attendance included ASW's Joe Robinson, Holly Doran, and Sabine Heller along with Donald Trump Jr., Vanessa Trump, Dimitri de Yougoslavie, Vogue's Genevieve Bahrenberg, Addison O'Dea, Tara Subkoff, Nicola Blatsiotis, Alex Sapir, Steve and Heather Mnuchin, Joseph Varet, Pheobe Gubelmann and Eric Villency, who arrived accompanied by wife Kimberly. When asked about the jewellery, the furniture designer replied: "The collection is fantastic. She [Ivanka] did a great job."
Alonso Dominguez
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Michael Moore - A hero
Michael Moore
born: 23-04-1954
birth place: Flint, Michigan
An unlikely political figure, bumbling along in glasses, cap and baggy jeans, Michael Moore is America’s most fearless and populist political commentator. A passive aggressive, Moore’s style is to hurl himself into major issues with wit and humour, and hope his energy captures public opinion. He believes fervently in the common man’s stand against the State.
Moore’s politics is home grown. Born in Flint, a town then dominated by General Motors car plants, he saw his Irish father and grandfather earn their livelihood at the factories, and then watched as a town of men like them were sacked, as GM relocated to cheaper labour pools in Mexico. The town was left destitute as GM and its shareholders' profits fattened.
Moore’s lust to reveal cooperate injustice and misdemeanour began when he was an Eagle Scout and made a slide show exposing all the businesses that polluted Flint. At 18, Moore won a seat on the Flint school board, making him one of the youngest people in the US to hold public office.
Preferring activism to study, Moore became a journalist on the 'Flint Voice' and, in time he became editor, and the paper expanded into the 'Michigan Voice'. The outspoken writer graduated to editor of 'Mother Jones', the leftist political journal in 1986, though frequent arguments with the publishers made the partnership a short one.
Moore used his 'Mother Jones' settlement money as the seed for 'Roger & Me' - a documentary film describing GM’s part in the economic collapse of Flint. Determined to get the story on the air, Moore had to sell his house and host bingo evenings to finish the film. It was one of the most financially successful documentaries ever.
Moore then dabbled in TV, but could not get his ratings up, so in 1996 he wrote 'Downsize This' - a political commentary. It was a best seller. Since then, Moore has continued to write and make successful documentaries - 'Bowling For Columbine' (2002) won a Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Moore is a fierce and very public critic of George W Bush, his administratiion and the US invasion of Iraq. His hard hitting documentary, 'Fahrenheit 9/11', an attack on Bush's ability to run the US, has become a worldwide blockbuster, becoming the highest grossing documentary of all time.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Plaza - Back in town
The Plaza is scheduled to debut this winter. Due to limited availability, reservations are currently being accepted for stays of Mar 1, 2008 and beyond.
A century ago, The Plaza set the standard for luxury and that tradition continues when the iconic hotel makes its grand debut this winter, following a $400 million, two-year renovation. The passion and uncompromising service, which made the hotel a legend, will return with a new and contemporary spirit. The Plaza hotel will offer 282 distinctive guestrooms, including 152 pied-à-terres, which will boast the largest square footage of any luxury property in New York. From the sumptuous décor to the impeccable white glove service, the Plaza is an extraordinary hotel that will offer its guests every indulgence. Amenities include a world-class retail collection featuring exclusive boutiques and purveyors of fine food, as well as health and wellness facilities, including a Caudalie Spa, Fitness Center by Radu and Warren Tricomi Salon.
A century ago, The Plaza set the standard for luxury and that tradition continues when the iconic hotel makes its grand debut this winter, following a $400 million, two-year renovation. The passion and uncompromising service, which made the hotel a legend, will return with a new and contemporary spirit. The Plaza hotel will offer 282 distinctive guestrooms, including 152 pied-à-terres, which will boast the largest square footage of any luxury property in New York. From the sumptuous décor to the impeccable white glove service, the Plaza is an extraordinary hotel that will offer its guests every indulgence. Amenities include a world-class retail collection featuring exclusive boutiques and purveyors of fine food, as well as health and wellness facilities, including a Caudalie Spa, Fitness Center by Radu and Warren Tricomi Salon.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Palm Beach
Home. Missing you Villa Vita Serena...
Ok! So, Palm Beach is old crowded, sometimes tacky and pretentious. It might not have trendy nightclubs packed with young sexy people, cheap bars selling beer for a buck and wild parties. Thats in WEST Palm Beach.
But as they say… Life quality is to have space and time for you. And that’s what you find in Palm Beach. For that I just love and miss living there.
I miss my friends from Palm Beach Day School, having ice cream on a boiling day by the beach, having a drink with my Dad at the Breakers Hotel, shopping at Worth Av., and driving to Miami, South Beach and the Key West for the weekend.
So…I found out my old Palm Beach house is for sale. Anyone interested?
Ok! So, Palm Beach is old crowded, sometimes tacky and pretentious. It might not have trendy nightclubs packed with young sexy people, cheap bars selling beer for a buck and wild parties. Thats in WEST Palm Beach.
But as they say… Life quality is to have space and time for you. And that’s what you find in Palm Beach. For that I just love and miss living there.
I miss my friends from Palm Beach Day School, having ice cream on a boiling day by the beach, having a drink with my Dad at the Breakers Hotel, shopping at Worth Av., and driving to Miami, South Beach and the Key West for the weekend.
So…I found out my old Palm Beach house is for sale. Anyone interested?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
New York & Hamptons (Part II)
My love affair with NYC continues…It just gets better every day! More new tips for having the best of New York:
Hotels.
*London NYC Hotel – Well priced, cool atmosphere, and great design. HUGE suites!
*Chambers Hotel – Bad, bad, bad! No gym, showers don’t work, wrong attitude, too dark…Don’t go there!
Restaurants:
*Da Silvano - Still great for an outside lunch.
*Cafeteria – SO OVER!
* Spice Market – Reborn and kicking ass.
* The Kitchen (Mercer Hotel) – Deserves every five stars. The food is to die for and the service is perfect.
* Le Bilbouquet – My favourite for lunch. Small, smart and sharp!
* Spotted Pig – The new place to see and be seen. No reservations so get yourself ready for an easy hour waiting. Not so sure if its worth it…Especially if you know proper gastro pubs in London.
* Bakery & Café – Very local. Went for a drink there and heard dinner is amazing.
The Hamtons experience:
For a long time that I wanted to visit this part of the Empire state. Imagined beautiful beaches with nice restaurants, lively bars and smart nightclubs, small charm hotels, young atmosphere…Almost like the Cote D'azur of America.
I could not be more wrong! The Hamptons (albeit out of season) is boring as hell!! Its like Boca Raton but with no white Rolls with red interiors.
* Vine Street Café – Can't say I didn’t like this restaurant… buzzy and a sweet ferry ride to the door!
London NYC suite
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
New York City (Part I)
Ok lets start with the NYC top menu for this year.
EAT in Morimoto, DaSilvano, BuddaKan, Nobu, Cipriani (Soho).
THROW UP at Mr. Chow.
DRINK at Soho House (need to be member or get in with one).
PISS ON THE GLASS in Gansevoort Hotel bar.
DANCE at Cielo and Hiro.
GET INTOXIATED at Mr. Black
DREAM at W Hotel (Times Sq.), The Hudson, Soho House, Gansevoort Hotel, 60 Thompson.
INSOMNIA in the Soho Grand and the Paramount.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Hawaii
After a long, a very long flight, I finally got to Kawai, Hawaii.
Yes, it is true, the beaches are amazing and the weather is great. But nothing else apart from that. The hotels are not that good and the restaurants are even worst. Too much of an amarican style going on there...
If you are looking for perfect relaxing days by the beach try Asia!
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