The Larusmiani flagship store in Milan is a hugely successful partnership of Italian heritage and immaculate finish.
The store reminds me of a popular advert for Danish lager, where the finished results of holidays / flatmates / banks etc all have the same tagline…This is probably the most stylish store and it has everything to do with Luxury Interior Designer David Collins .
Founded in 1922, Larusmiani represents an unrivalled pedigree in luxury menswear and immaculate tailoring. The vision for the elegant building dating from the 1950s was to create a space dedicated to tailoring and fabrics, relating Larusmiani’s vast heritage to visitors.
The boutique, based in Milan, opened to much acclaim on the eve of Spring/Summer 2011 Milan Fashion Week. Deservedly so.
A colour palette of ivory, blue and white has been selected, using heritage Larusmiani fabrics for interplay of colour and texture. Details such as ivory linen walls with navy grosgrain ribbon panels; navy leather fixtures and red saddle stitch all perfectly compliment the collections on show.
Of the overall design, David Collins comments, “My inspiration for the space is a reflection of the quality and attention to detail that is the hallmark of Larusmiani”
The flagship store oozes simplicity and understated luxury – reflecting the subtlety of the sumptuous apparel.
Full of unmistakable, classic and irresistible Italian flair, the store features a walk in vault showcasing jewellery, watches and technology from the leaders in global design innovation. Setting the standard the world over, Larusmiani takes luxury retail to a new level.
Other exciting projects from the masterful David Collins team include the opening of the Bassoon piano bar in March 2011. This project has allowed David to draw parallels between music and design noting that ‘the symmetry, balance and harmony are all subliminal reminders of how the environment influences us’ - David plans to incorporate music more fully into his work moving forward.
Elsewhere in London, the team is also working on a number of restaurant projects for internationally acclaimed chefs, including Massimo Riccioli at the new Corinthia hotel, set to open in the Spring.
Larusmiani garments are sold exclusively at the Concept Boutique at 7, Via Montenapoleone, Milan.
Lavazza, better known for producing and importing fine coffee world-wide, have “done a Pirelli” on us.
The Lavazza calendar rivals only the famous Pirelli calendar, in terms of artistic fashion photography and using the talents of world renowned photographers.
Now set to unveil its 19th edition, The Lavazza calendar goes from strength to strength.
Previous photographers include Eugenio Recuenco, Ellen Von Unworth and the might of two of the world’s best photographers, in the form of Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle.
The 2011 calendar sees Mark Seliger behind the lens, with his interpretation of the theme “Falling in Love in Italy”.
Tuscany - July / August
Mark Seliger is more used to celebrity portraits and album covers. Previous clients have included Willie Nelson, Kurt Cobain, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
With the Lavazza calendar, Seliger was able to introduce a quirky, fun element.
The end result? “Six intimate moments involving him, her and coffee.”
In front of the lens sees, amongst others, “House” and “The OC” actress Olivia Wilde and her husband, film director Tao Ruspoli who feature in the Capri picture.
Capri - January / February
Other beautifully shot scenes of romance in Italy have more than a touch of humour to them.
The six images are all striking in their own way, with the Lavazza brand placement in evidence.
The locations include the iconic scene of Romeo and Juliet’s balcony, the Faraglioni of Capri, A Tuscan landscape and a love story in Naples.
Florence - November / December
Mark Seliger has produced the 19th Lavazza Calendar - Falling in Love in Italy and it is a masterpiece of love, Italy and coffee.
A limited print run of just 30,000 calendars make these very hot property, hopefully you will be lucky enough to obtain your own copy!
Iconic Italian luxury menswear house Larusmiani launched its newly revamped David Collins Studio designed flagship store to much acclaim last week in Milan, with a cocktail reception on the eve of Milan Fashion Week S/S 2011. Famed for numerous luxury hotels and bars around the world, the David Collins Studio has given a no-expenses spared, residential feel to the city’s most elite fashion store. Collins has incorporated heritage Larusmiani fabrics to the design effortlessly complimenting and enhancing the quality and style of the exclusive Larusmiani product.
A colour palette of ivory, blue and white has been selected for the menswear sections with ivory linen walls and navy grosgrain ribbon panels. The same level of detail has been used throughout womenswear, but a separate colour palette of ivory, burnished macassar, parchment and brown employed for a more boudoir feel.
Of the overall design, Collins commented “My inspiration for the space is a reflection of the quality and attention to detail that is the hallmark of Larusmiani”. This may be the designer’s first Italian project but he has certainly made his mark on the fashion capital.
I was told as a young boy, possibly more times than I cared for, that “if you are going to do a job, make sure you do it properly”.
This mantra has stayed with me, and I would like to think that I apply it to most things in life.
From past projects to their latest design, It seems that Brahm Interiors follow the same code – do it properly. Brahm Interiors design the finest residential homes and development properties in the most desirable locations creating bespoke luxurious spaces.
The designers have a range of experience that span all over the world from apartments and houses to hotels and beach retreats. All of their designs are highly creative interior ideas, constantly pushing the boundaries of interior design to the next level creating stunning space.
It is fitting then that these design room professionals have linked up with Paul Edmonds. 25 years based in Knightsbridge, Paul Edmonds provides London’s most exciting and innovative hair and beauty treatments. Together, “The Rooms” have been created.
Paul Edmonds hairdresser to the stars, attracts the likes of Emma Thompson, Julie Walters and Delia Smith. Now, his luxurious Knightsbridge salon unveils “The Rooms”, two beautiful and exclusive pampering spaces, allowing clients to experience the team’s expertise away from the buzz of the salon.
Side by side, the two Rooms are dedicated to different needs; the first focuses on all your hair demands from flawless colour and stylish haircuts to nourishing treatments. The second, on a wide range of beauty treatments from indulgent facials, semi permanent makeup and fashion-forward manicures.
London’s leading design company Brahm are renowned for their cutting edge creativity on projects. “The Rooms” are no exception. They have created a truly relaxing and welcoming ambience.
With Paul Edmonds involved, this has to be the most exciting, exclusive hair and beauty location in London.
So if you are looking for a haircut, make sure you do it properly.
Posted by Paul Handley on Thu 26th August 2010 at 08:22 AM, Filed in Luxury Fashion
10 years ago, Samia Kamar gave us her debut collection, featuring Limited Edition evening bags - made from hand embroidered antique silks, chiffons and satins.
These were stocked at the world’s leading department stores including Selfridges, Barney’s, Henri Bendel and Isetan to name a few. Samia Kamar has maintained the quality and design aesthetics which has made her a favourite in the luxury designer fashion industry.
Samia’s Autumn / Winter 2010 collection is elegant and feminine with individual flair and an uncompromising luxurious appeal. The collection consists of totes and designer leather clutch bags in hand-dyed exotic skins and laser cut leathers. Within the collection there has to be the best Designer Leather Bag.
Ortensia clutch
Each expertly hand-crafted piece has a distinctive look, designed to take you from day to evening and made combining the finest materials and techniques from the reputed artisans of Florence.
“All old things beautiful that have a story to tell inspire me, from antiques to colours on a canvas of an artist from the old generations to the new.” states Samia, explaining her influences which have been drawn from the city of Florence.
Peonia hobo
The collection is named after flowers in Italian. Signature styles are the Ortensia clutch and Peonia hobo in a rich colour palette of purples, burnt reds and chocolate browns.
Samia Kamar’s Orchidea bag is the must-have travel accessory. Spacious and versatile, it is the elegant asset to any outfit.
Currently available in a variety of colours: flame or moss green shaded python and grape leather, additionally as with her whole collection, Samia offers a bespoke service to all her clients who are able to choose from a wide array of sumptuous colours.
Whilst many dyed python skins fade over time, Samia Kamar’s python skin bags are hand dyed over a period of months, therefore guaranteed to maintain its luxurious texture, colour and shape.
Orchidea
A true investment piece to carry you through the seasons. Prices start from £850 made to order for the Orchidea bag and £1,200 made to order for the Ortensia clutch and Peonia hobo.
