Cunard Announces Fashion and Culinary Event Cruises in 2016

New York Fashion Week’s Own Fern Mallis Takes to the High Seas

Cunard has today announced two exciting event cruises for 2016, celebrating the worlds of fashion, food, music and dance. From the launch of its very first ‘Transatlantic Fashion Week’ to a culinary tour of the British Isles to the largest Big Band Balls at sea, guests on each cruise will be immersed in the very best of these themes.

Cunard’s Three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company’s first paddle-wheeled steamer Britannia crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

The inaugural ‘Transatlantic Fashion Week’ voyage on the Queen Mary 2 arrives in one of the style capitals of the world, New York, the very same day New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017 Shows begins, after an extra special 7 night (1-8 September) voyage across the Atlantic on board the most famous ocean liner in the world.

Dame Zandra Rhodes

The voyage will be hosted by a number of very significant names from the industry, as guests will be treated to ‘an audience with’ pioneering British designer, Dame Zandra Rhodes CBE, Colin McDowell, the highly respected fashion historian and commentator Fern Mallis, the ‘Godmother of Fashion’ and founder of New York Fashion Week.

Fern Mallis ( Credit: Timothy Greenfield-Saunders)

Dame Zandra Rhodes, who has dressed some the world’s most iconic stars and musicians, including Freddie Mercury and Jackie Onassis, said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining Cunard on board Queen Mary 2 for the very first Transatlantic Fashion Week, 2016. For me, it offers the opportunity to share my knowledge and wonderful experiences from throughout my career in fashion, and give guests a taste of what my collection has to offer.“

Colin McDowell

Dame Zandra Rhodes will also reveal designs from her collections, as emerging faces from Storm modelling agency take to the catwalk during the voyage. Alongside these great fashion authorities, guests will have the opportunity to meet the designers of the future, as students from one of the world’s number one postgraduate fashion programmes, The Royal College of Art, showcase their latest collections on board.

Food lovers can treat themselves to a British Isles Culinary Discovery on board Queen Elizabeth in June next year. The cruise will feature highly reputable names and producers from the world of gastronomy, including Charles Sichel of Maison Sichel and Jilly Goolden, English Wine Critic and UK Television personality. Guests will be able to enjoy regional delicacies from around the British Isles through a range of tailored shore-side excursions, hosted on board events and specially curated menus.

QUEEN MARY 2 AND QUEEN ELIZABETH ROYAL RENDEZVOUS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR
Tuesday 22nd February 2011 – Sydney Harbour, Australia – Sydney Welcomes Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 on Royal Rendezvous on Maiden World Voyage; Cunard’s newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, arrived in Sydney for the first time this morning, following her larger sister, Queen Mary 2, into Sydney Harbour in another historic Royal Rendezvous.

Each of the three Cunard Queens (Mary, Elizabeth and Victoria) will host their very own Big Band Balls in November 2016 for dance and music lovers around the world to enjoy. Cunard’s biggest orchestras of the year will delight guests with music from Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The big band phenomena originated in the US in the 1920s era, and soon took the world by storm by creating the party of all parties. Next year each of the three Queens will look forward to playing host to their own exclusive musical spectaculars.

Luxury Travel: Hotel De La Paix, Geneva To Become A Ritz-Carlton Partner Hotel In The Swiss Capital Of Peace

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. has a signed agreement with the Manz family in Switzerland which will add the Hotel de la Paix in Geneva as a partner hotel as of December 16, 2015. The boutique property sits on the banks of Lake Geneva, (Lac Leman) in Switzerland.

Following an extensive renovation planned by the Manz family, the hotel is scheduled for re-launch at the end of 2016 as The Ritz Carlton, Hotel de la Paix Geneva. The lakeside property will undergo a comprehensive renovation which includes reducing the number of hotel guestrooms to 75 stunning luxury accommodations featuring refreshed, modern and generously proportioned suites.

The Hotel De la Paix, built in the center of Geneva in 1865, after signing an agreement to become a partner hotel with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C., and following an extensive renovation, will reopen as The Ritz Carlton, Hotel de la Paix Geneva.

The Hotel De la Paix, built in the center of Geneva in 1865, has been witness to a multitude of historical world events. In January 1872, the international arbitration tribunal for the Alabama Claims met at the Hotel De la Paix. Today, the Alabama Salon still serves as a reminder of this important event within the hotel. And as with all iconic treasures in Europe, many decorated and well-known personalities have been hosted, one of which was Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, who whiled away the hours on the banks of Lake Geneva savoring the glorious views over Mont Blanc.

“It is an honor to bring The Ritz-Carlton experience to Switzerland and to partner with the highly regarded Manz family,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton. “Geneva is an extremely desirable destination for travelers and we will now be able to offer a sensational travel experience to complement the full portfolio of Ritz-Carlton properties around the globe,” he added.

The partnership commences in the year that sees the Hotel De la Paix celebrate its 150th anniversary. Ljuba Manz-Lurje, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Manz Privacy Hotels Switzerland AG, said “I am delighted that the hotel De La Paix, the jewel of Geneva, will be managed by The Ritz-Carlton, one the of the world’s most famous and luxurious hotel companies.”

Embedded between Alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura, the French-speaking city of Geneva lies in the bay where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva. With its humanitarian tradition and cosmopolitan flair, the European seat of the United Nations and headquarters of the Red Cross is best-known as the capital of peace. Water flows through the center of the city into the River Rhône and museums, shops, restaurants, and parks jostle for space on the history-laden south shore known as Rive Gauche and the eponymous Quai Mont-Blanc is one of the most famous addresses in the city of Geneva.

Recently named as the world’s most popular luxury hotel brand by London-based consultancy, Luxury Branding, The Ritz-Carlton currently offers a collection of ten luxury hotels throughout Europe including The Ritz-Carton, Abama, The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow, The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Hotel Arts, Barcelona and Penha Longa Resort & Spa in Portugal.

Iconic Stylist John Barrett Opens New Salon In New York City At 54 Bond Street

New Downtown Location Is The First Of John Barrett’s Manhattan Expansion

New Salon Opening Coincides with Announcement of Notable Collaborations with Esteemed Beauty Professionals

“The opening of our Bond Street salon defines the moment our uptown heritage fuses with the cultural vibrancy of downtown. It perfectly captures our vision for the future of John Barrett.” – John Barrett, Founder and Creative Director, John Barrett Holdings, LLC.

John Barrett has officially opened the doors to his new downtown Manhattan destination at 54 Bond Street in the historic NoHo (North of Houston Street) district. The debut of John Barrett Bond Street marks the beginning of a new era for the brand that will ultimately define the future of the modern luxury salon experience.

John Barrett (Photo: http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com)

John Barrett is widely well-regarded within the industry for providing the ultimate luxury salon experience, with the highest standards for excellence in artistry and service. The debut of the new salon expands upon this foundation, with the infusion of fresh, inspired artistic talent, innovation in hair, spa, and nail services, as well as a tightly edited selection of the most coveted and inventive beauty products. The salon will also feature exclusive collaborations and a curated selection of luxury merchandise suited to the Bond Street clientele.

“The Bond Street salon is an architectural masterpiece, with a rich, storied history set in Manhattan’s cultural epicenter of art, fashion and design,” says Jim Hedges, CEO of John Barrett Holdings LLC. “It so appropriately captures the emerging vision for our brand, leading us into the next chapter of growth that will elevate the standard in the luxury salon category.”

Bond Street Salon Design

The former site of the Bouwerie Lane Theater, the landmark building was once home to world-renowned painters, composers, screen sirens, musicians, and artists such as Lauren Hutton, Jane Russell, Pearl Bailey, Brice Marden and Helen Hays.

Designed by notable architect Daniel Romualdez, the new 2,200 square feet salon is modern, plush, and luxuriously appointed. The stylish space retains its original architectural splendor with a nod to its historical significance, modernized with a blend of opulent materials found throughout the two-story space. Here you’ll find brushed pewter, custom-chrome finishes flanked with sleek mirrors, glossy black wood trim, and a punch of color from the brand’s signature terrazzo lavender floors. Hand-oiled, smoke stained oak floors with a smooth, satiny finish are mixed into the flooring design as well, in both the color and treatment rooms.

Exterior shot of John Barrett Bond Street (Photo: http://www.johnbarrett.com) 

The sunbathed salon features a main floor with ten stations for cut and style and a ground level punctuated with eleven color stations and three manicure and pedicure stations. Dual wash areas are accented with silver-stroked ceilings and a glowing light cove for balanced illumination. Changing and rest areas feel posh and intimate.

The atelier-like environment is part salon, part boutique and part exhibition space, offering clients a spectacular array of exclusive merchandise and art, housed within custom glass and polished chrome vitrines scattered throughout the space. Tom Ford Beauty is the featured color cosmetic brand and is used exclusively by the resident makeup artists for makeup applications and lessons. A full styling station is tucked away on the main floor for brow and lash services.

“We are creating a 360-degree experience to deliver new and innovative services, spa treatment protocols, and technologies that haven’t been available before,” says Hedges. “The salon will be a place of discovery and engagement, enabling us to expand into different luxury categories, and reinvent the salon experience beyond anything that currently exists.”

The new salon is one of many John Barrett locations planned to open across the country in the coming year. “Demand for our services continues to increase each successive year, so this comes at the perfect time,” says Barrett. “Nothing excites me more than spreading the magic we have created at the flagship over the years and embracing the downtown style and vitality of Bond Street. It is this energy that will fuel the next phase of our expansion in New York and across the country.”

John Barrett Bond Street Notable Collaborations

John Barrett Launches First Tammy Fender Spa in New York City

John Barrett has formed a partnership with renowned Palm Beach-based holistic skincare authority Tammy Fender, bringing her legendary spa treatments to the Bond Street salon in New York City – the only location outside Palm Beach where her coveted spa treatments can be found. The treatments will be administered by aestheticians selected and trained by Fender in the custom-designed spa treatment rooms located on the mezzanine level.

“I am absolutely delighted to be working with the legendary John Barrett for the official national launch of our custom treatment services,” says Tammy. “This partnership will bring our years of expertise to an even greater audience with a brand that so perfectly mirrors our own passion for quality and unparalleled client experience.”

The Gallery at John Barrett, 54 Bond

John Barrett has collaborated with art collector’s initiative, Circa 1881, to curate a custom gallery for the Bond Street location, featuring fashion photography from Bruce Weber, Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, Steven Klein, Richard Avedon, Chuck Close and Andy Warhol. The sweeping floor-to-ceiling gallery wall features rare images of Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Kate Moss and Johnny Depp, among others. All works are available for sale.

John Barrett Partners with Assouline to Curate Bond Street Library

For the first time in its history, luxury book publisher Assouline joined forces with a salon to curate a library of selected titles in fashion, art, photography, travel, design and culture, to be featured on the salon’s main floor.

John Barrett Introduces “The Nail Room” at Bond Street in Collaboration with Nail Industry Visionary, Tracylee Percival

John Barrett sought out Tracylee Percival, the new Director of Manicure Services and Education, to design and develop an unprecedented nail program. “The Nail Room” is a new and transformative concept in the nail realm, one that is in line with John Barrett’s reputation for innovation and creativity.

Best Western Opens Two New Hotels in West Africa

Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of two new hotels in Nigeria located in the cities of Asaba and Awka. The addition of these two new hotels reinforces Best Western’s continued focus on its strong growth in West Africa.

Best Western Meloch Hotel Awka Nigeria – Exterior

“With these two recent openings, there are now 11 Best Western branded hotels in West Africa and with a very robust pipeline, we will continue expanding our footprint in this region in 2016,” said Suzi Yoder, Best Western Hotels and Resorts senior vice president of International Operations.

Best Western Elomaz Plus Hotel Asaba Nigeria Guest Room

Best Western Elomaz Plus Hotel Asaba Nigeria Pool

In Awka, the capital of Anambra State in Nigeria, the Best Western Meloch Hotel is a new construction three-star modern hotel conveniently located in the government district. The full service hotel offers complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, business center services, on-site restaurant, cocktail lounge, pool, spa, fitness center, is fully air conditioned and has meeting space and catering services.

Best Western Meloch Hotel Awka Nigeria – Deluxe Room

Best Western Meloch Hotel Awka Nigeria Pool

Eco Watch: Palau Passes Legislation to Protect 80 Percent of Its Waters

Protected Area Is Larger than State of California

All Images Courtesy of National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala/The National Geographic Society

National Geographic Pristine Seas: Palau. Photo by Manu San Felix

The Palau Congress today passed legislation to fully protect 80 percent of the Pacific island nation’s waters, an area known as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. As a result, 193,000 square miles (500,000 square kilometers), an expanse larger than the state of California, will exclude all types of fishing. With this vote, Palau now protects the largest percentage of marine territory of any nation in the world.

National Geographic Pristine Seas: Palau. Photo by Manu San Felix

National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

National Geographic Pristine Seas. STAGHORN CORAL: SIGNS OF RESILlENCE Palau’s pristine reefs, such as these in the Ulong Channel, have come back strong even after being damaged by warming events in the 1990s and a big typhoon in 2012. Photo by Enric Sala/National Geographic

National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence Enric Sala, head of the Society’s Pristine Seas project, led an expedition to Palau in September 2014 to assess the potential for a marine protected area there. Sala commended today’s action to protect what he calls a “pristine paradise,” stating: “President Remengesau and the Palau government have a bold vision that protects this vital resource for Palauans, builds economic revenue through sustainable ecotourism and benefits local fisheries. It is an incredible step forward for this island nation and for the world.”

National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

PRISTINE SEAS: PALAU
National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

PRISTINE SEAS: PALAU
National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

In 2009, Palau was the first country to create a shark sanctuary encompassing the entire country. In the years that followed, the Palau government, the Palau International Coral Reef Center and the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas project conducted scientific studies to determine what other protections might be necessary to preserve the unique, pristine waters there. This area is also the subject of a National Geographic documentary entitled “Return to Paradise,” which debuted in Palau on April 22 — Earth Day 2015.

PRISTINE SEAS: PALAU
National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

PRISTINE SEAS: PALAU
National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

PRISTINE SEAS: PALAU
National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

PRISTINE SEAS: PALAU
National Geographic Pristine Seas. Photos by Enric Sala/National Geographic

In June of this year, the Palau government ramped up its efforts to deter illegal fishing, destroying a number of Vietnamese fishing boats that were poaching sea cucumbers and reef fish off Palau’s coasts without permission.

Penfolds and GQ Magazine Crown “Best Dressed Somm” of 2015

Wine Connoisseur and Sommelier Kyle Ridington of New York City Claims the Coveted Style Title

Penfolds, Australia’s leading winemaker, and GQ Magazine, the premier men’s magazine for style and culture, are excited to announce the winner of this year’s “Best Dressed Somm.” On October 22nd, Chef Sommelier Kyle Ridington from Piora Restaurant in New York City was awarded the coveted style title at a reception held at the Penfolds House in New York City.

After a month long search on Instagram and Twitter, over 100 participating sommeliers across North America were evaluated on the ability to curate a look that exudes “effortless style.” Kyle impressed an esteemed panel of judges that included GQ Executive Stylist Brett Fahlgren, celebrity chef and style guru Marcus Samuelsson, and designer Rachel Roy – all of whom know firsthand that a fine wine is best paired with unparalleled style.

“I am honored to be named this year’s Best Dressed Somm by Penfolds and GQ,” said Kyle at last night’s reception. “It’s exciting to celebrate putting my best self forward when it comes to style. For the recognition to come from Penfolds, a brand known for its prestige and high caliber wines, solidifies the hard work I’ve put into my career and life.”

As one of five #BestDressedSomm finalists, Kyle, who to the reception wore cropped, tailored trousers and a fitted blazer finished with a green scarf, demonstrated his keen knack for fashion over front-runners Taylor Grant from Scopa Italian Roots in Los Angeles, Nico Snyman from Joel Robuchon at the Mansion in Las Vegas, Matt Bostick from Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, and Elphin Murren from Kingside Restaurant in New York City.

“This year marks the second annual collaboration with Penfolds to pay homage to the sommelier community and we couldn’t be more excited about the evolution of the Best Dressed Somm program,” said Fahlgren. “All top contenders demonstrated their ability to curate a collection beyond the wine cellar. We especially loved Kyle because of his confidence in pulling off a completely original look.”

An evening of style and luxury held at the Penfolds House in New York, the Best Dressed Somm reception also served as the official U.S. debut of the Penfolds 2015 Collection, including the 2011 Grange – Penfolds’ flagship and one of the most collected wines in the world.

“Grange is distinguished for its lively and assured palate,” said DLynn Proctor, Penfolds U.S. Winemaking Ambassador. “This wine is unique in its expert craftsmanship – a synergistic trait reflected in the flair and contemporary attitude Kyle demonstrated firsthand last night.”

The Penfolds Collection 2015

The Penfolds Collection 2015 evolves with the new vintage release of the winery’s family of fine wines, and is now officially available. Noteworthy wine milestones and anniversaries together with vintage nuances are evident and while the winemakers led by Chief Winemaker Peter Gago continue to act as custodians of the past, they continue to deliver their own distinctive interpretation of the wines.

The 2015 Collection spans five vintages across 20 individual wines of appeal and provenance, all proudly displaying the Penfolds ‘House Style’ established more than 171 years ago.

Key highlights include:

• 2011 Grange is the 61st consecutive release, this is only the sixth Grange since the experimental 1951 vintage to be 100% Shiraz.

• 2013 Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz celebrates its 55th consecutive release.

• 2013 Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time made predominantly from Adelaide Hills fruit.

• 2014 Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay celebrates its 10th consecutive release.

Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago reflects, “this year’s Collection again reminds our winemaking team of the magic and unknowns of wine. There’s still so much that we don’t know, a continuum of surprise is occasionally explained by science, history or experience. Our 2013 reds have significantly transformed in bottle – grown, complexed, fattened… call it what you will. These wines make us smile and remind us of why we do, what we do.”

In addition to the release, for the first time this year, Penfolds will also unveil a selection of wines in stylishly crafted gift boxes and for collector’s who acquire Grange they can now personalize their gift box with a bespoke plaque denoting a name and personal message.

Earlier this year Penfolds was named 2015 International White Winemaker by the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in recognition of Penfolds whites delivering drinkability and durability. Senior White Winemaker Kym Schroeter, who has over a quarter of a century of Penfolds winemaking experience, asserts, “overall I believe this year’s white release is ‘right up there’ in terms of quality and ageability. Certainly wines for the cellar!”

These whites span three vintages, 2013 – 2015. The Penfolds Collection 2015 offers wines of great narrative, largesse, aging potential and cultural significance.

In addition to national publicity as Penfolds & GQ Magazine‘s “Best Dressed Somm” of 2015, Kyle will be featured in an upcoming issue of GQ, as well as receive a private styling session with Brett Fahlgren. For more information, please visit Penfolds.com/GQBestDressedSomm. Follow the conversation on social media with @Penfolds, @GQMagazine and @GQ using #BestDressedSomm.

Penfolds has been producing an impressive array of wines since 1844 and indisputably led the development of Australian fine wine into the modern era. The introduction of Penfolds Grange in 1951 forever changed the landscape of Australian fine wine. Since then a series of standout wines, both white and red, have been released under the Penfolds masthead. www.penfolds.com