If you’re going to cruise around paradise you might as well do it in a suitably hedonistic style – and that means a small ship cruise on a luxurious Mega Yacht like the M/Y Pegasus. In these idyllic islands size really does matter – the bigger factory liners find it hard to get in close to the land. That makes small cruise ships the only way to travel, and the 45m mega yacht Pegasus is designed to get right onto the harbour sides and into the bays, making the most of snorkelling and diving opportunities in the shallow waters.

However just because you’re thinking small cruise Ships, doesn’t mean you need to compromise on luxury. The reason some people refer to this as a ‘Mega Yacht cruise’ is that Pegasus offers millionaire’s yacht style service in an ambience of comfortable and relaxed luxury. Once on board you’ll discover small really is beautiful as Pegasus has only 23 cabins (all air-conditioned and ensuite) and elegantly appointed dining room, saloon and sun deck still sparkling following a full interior refit in late 2009. Thos of you that have cruised with Variety Cruises on one of their famed Greek island Cruises; will know exactly what we mean.

For your Seychelles Cruise, you have a choice of 3, 4 or 7 night itineraries. Anse de Source on Coco Island – said to be the most photographed sunset beach in the world, La Digue and St. Anne Island, Mahe, Anse Lazio on Praslin – one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the bird colonies on Aride, the one-time leper colony and home to giant turtles at the aptly named island of Curieuse (now uninhabited), the itinerary explains why we call this the ‘Garden of Eden’ cruise. Certainly this is the absolute contrast from Mediterranean Cruises.

Take our advice – all things considered the Seychelles is not a place to come and be a tourist, it’s much better to come and be an explorer and get up close and personal small ship cruising fashion. There’s something about resort style liners that tends to spoil local people and places by changing the traditional economy and often the balance of nature. A Small cruise ship keeps all the sense of Mega Yacht luxury whilst being altogether more sustainable long-term

Antarctica is a dream destination but because of its nature (being the coldest place on Earth) it has some very unique requirements when it comes to packing for your trip. It is good to know that most recreational travel to Antarctica takes place in the austral summer (November to March), which is comparatively warmer than usual with average air temperatures that hover around freezing (32°F, 0°C). That’s a whole lot warmer than either Moscow or Montreal in the winter.

What causes discomfort in Antarctica is the wind and the wet, so preparing yourself against the elements is what matters most. The weather changes constantly, so like San Francisco or Scotland, the key to real comfort is wearing layers. Your packing list also depends on what you plan to do in Antarctica. Are you taking a cruise or are you going to live on a base? How much time will you spend outside?

This top five list will help you pack the most important things.

1. Pack appropriate Antarctica clothing. The number one thing to add to your packing list is winter clothing that you can layer to help you deal with the climate. You will need an inner foundation layer, an insulating mid layer and an outerwear shell layer to be ready for the worst weather that Antarctica can throw at you.

Remember there are four main activities that you will engage in on your trip so prepare your clothing accordingly – spending time inside on the cruise ship, going out on deck to look at wildlife and the scenery, cruising in the small Zodiac boat and landing on the ice for day excursions and sometimes a nights camping. Bring a lot of the same warm clothes as you may get wet or dirty and need to change or layer.

Don’t forget to add lots of waterproof clothing as well, because you will be wet and cold. An additional important piece of fashion to take with you is a bright colored parka. You should look for a lightweight, roomy, wind and weather-resistant shell with some insulation. Bright colors are more visible – and thus safer – in polar environments. That is why polar travelers traditionally wear red.

Rubber Boots: A pair of pull-on rubber, unlined and completely waterproof boots that are mid calf or higher (12-16″ high) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is essential for landings. You may have to step from the Zodiac into icy water up to 10″ high on some landings. Also, expect poor footing on the ice and ashore.

Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Boots with waffle soles like those on a hiking boot or running shoe tend to give the best footing. For maximum warmth, wear loose-fitting boots and two pairs of socks. Try out your boots before the voyage.

The following tips should help you be comfortable and healthfully warm in cold weather.

• Avoid overdressing to reduce perspiration.
• Wear water repellent outer garments that will keep you dry on the outside and still “breathe” enough so that moisture from your body can escape.
• Body heat is most likely to be lost from parts that have a lot of surface area in comparison to total mass namely, the hands and feet. Keep them warm and dry. For hands, mittens are better than gloves.
• If the rest of your body is covered, as much as 90% of the heat you lose can come from your head, so be sure to wear a cap.
• Dress in comfortable, loose layers. For anyone out in the cold, it is far better to wear layers of relatively light, loose clothing than one thick, heavy item. Between each layer there is a film of trapped air which, when heated by your body, acts as an excellent insulator. Keep from overheating.
• Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. When damp or wet, polyester down is a better insulator than goose or duck down. Polar fleece is popular and recommended.

2. Add seasick pills and patches. Leave these behind at your peril. The Drake Passage is one of the roughest stretches of sea in the world and even though you might be lucky enough to have one calm crossing, two is pushing your luck a little. Being seasick won’t kill you but it’s not a lot of fun at the time and there are a few things you can try to avoid it but results will vary from person to person:

1) Scopolamine patches

2) Meclizine (Non Drowsy Dramimine, Bonine), Dimenhydrinate (Dramimine) or antihistamines (Benedryl)

3) Ginger tablets

4) Homeopathic remedies like Trip Ease and Oral Spray 5) If all else fails the doctor on board can give you a shot.

3. Always take a digital/video camera and binoculars/ Extra Batteries. How many photos do you think you will take in Antarctica? Use that amount and then double it to get closer to the figure it will probably be in the end. The landscapes and the wildlife are just so spectacular and unique that people can’t help themselves and take vast amounts of pictures.

Take as many memory cards as you possibly can or if you have space take a laptop with to download all your photographs daily. Most of the cruise ships have a computer on board but you will be sharing it with the rest of the passengers so burning a CD might not be a viable option. Your own pair of binoculars will be very handy for spotting wildlife and far off scenery.

Also something that most people actually forget about and is pretty important is to bring back up batteries! Battery life is severely shortened in Antarctica because of the extreme cold.

4. Pack sunglasses and sunblock. A good pair of sunglasses or even two in case one gets lost is essential. Snow blindness is a real possibility here when the sun is shining brightly and in the summer you have up to 20 hours of sunlight and they also protect your eyes from windblown snow. Make sure the sunglasses you choose have a U.V. filter and a good polarizing effect. An extremely good polarized pair of sunglasses. I can’t stress this enough.

5. Choose a good quality backpack. When you go out in the Zodiac to make a landing on the ice you are going to want to take a few things with you like your camera, binoculars, sunscreen, chap-stick etc and the best way to carry them all is in a waterproof backpack. Waterproof because things can get a bit rough in the landing craft and sometimes there is some spray thrown around.

The day pack will keep your hands free for things like photography and clambering around on the ice. If it is a warm day and you have too many layers on you can always remove something and store it in the backpack. Our money is on the Pelican backpack with a hard case for your computer built in and a camera case as well.

OTHER STUFF
Unless you’re trying to ski across the continent or circumnavigate by kayak, you don’t need a lot of specialized gear so leave the compass and MRE’s at home. What you do need is sunglasses (polarized), serious sunblock (30+ SPF), a day pack (small, light waterproof backpack with a dry pair of gloves and an extra layer), a water bottle, seasickness pills, chapstick and some intense skin moisturizer.

Last of all, be sure to bring a swimsuit. Most ships and bases will have a jacuzzi, and Antarctic plunges are a common tradition.

In conclusion–don’t fall prey to the ideology that you are going on some major, unprecedented expedition and that you need to special order a ton of gear. You don’t. Antarctica in the summer is far warmer than most people expect, and as long as you have the essentials, you’ll be fine.

Please let us know your thoughts on going to Antarctica? Is it someplace you might want to visit?

Thanks to the 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit many people are suddenly interested in what is arguably the largest and most inhospitable to human life continent on the planet! Antarctica. The name alone incites images of wonderful and almost alien beauty, penguins, sea lions and whales. Well ok, all of that and freezing your ass off! My first visit to Antarctica was long before there were cell phones in everyone’s pockets and many of the creature comforts we enjoy today. It was a rather scary proposition to be on the ocean and see nothing else. No city lights, nothing familiar.

We were left with nothing but the sound of the boat’s engines and the sound of the water lapping against the hull for several days of our trip. No angry birds, no Netflix just freezing cold air, killer water and our thoughts. So why would we go back? And why are we discussing this on a site dedicated to luxury?

Well the answer is simple. The company Polar Voyages is offering luxury Antarctica cruises. Quite frankly, Antarctica is damn cool. How many people do you personally know who have ever been there? Yeah, exactly what we thought! Now pay attention and find out how you too can have an opportunity to see the last untamed land on the planet!

Offering the best luxury expeditions operating in the polar waters, vessels accommodate anywhere from 54 to 200 passengers. Expedition ships are designed with the strength to handle the powerful passageways, and are small enough to manipulate into isolated locations, out of reach to larger ships.

Boasting the title of coldest, driest & windiest region on earth, our Antarctica expeditions cruises invite you to discover the extreme environment that has conquered the most experiences explorers – yet nurtures fragile wildlife.

Vessels are equipped with zodiacs to ensure as much time as possible is spent onshore and up-close interaction with marine wildlife. Expedition guides are highly skilled and educated. They are professionals in their fields, and often hold university degrees in anthropology, biology, geology or other relevant disciplines.

Antarctica camping, sea kayaking, hiking and exclusive ski treks available for those looking for an active Antarctica adventure.

The Ships:

Polar voyages offer a number of price ranges and vessels to sail upon. Our favorite of course is the National Geographic Explorer!

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our “Open Bridge” policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.

To find your Antarctica luxury cruise, visit their website for details or call 1-800-344-6118 to start planning your voyage today. If the other end of the globe is on your wish-list, be sure to also take a look at our Arctic expedition cruises including a North Pole voyage.

In this exclusive Land Rover commercial, four parkour (PK) athletes demonstrate amazing feats of balance, fitness and gymnastics, representing the “Above & Beyond” all-terrain, go anywhere capabilities of Land Rover vehicles. Just like these four parkour traceurs, Land Rover’s wheels can’t be stopped by any obstacles.

Even though this post is sponsored by Land Rover we think it’s a pretty damn cool commercial that shows the all-terrain capability of the Land Rover. They’re so bad ass that even the US military uses them. Check out the video below!

Join the conversation on Land Rover’s Facebook  or on Twitter @LandRoverUSA 

This post is sponsored by Land Rover

A San Diego-area firm enables the wealthy to show in their home theaters movies that are still at the multiplex. The cost: $35,000 in equipment and $500 to $600 a film.

They were planning to spend nearly $500,000 on a home theater. What was an additional $35,000 to show first-run movies?

When Ken and Carol Schultz began remodeling their 10,000-square-foot San Diego-area residence, they spared no expense on a screening room. The couple tricked it out with custom-built armchairs with heat and massage functions, and a Runco 3-D-capable projector with a price of about $100,000.

But the most unusual feature of the theater is a $35,000 device that offers 24-hour rentals of first-run movies. For $500 a film ($600 for 3-D), the Schultzes can show movies the same day they screen at the local multiplex.

The Schultzes are not members of the exclusive “Bel-Air circuit” — a few hundred producers, writers, actors and executives who mostly live on the Westside and receive copies of first-run films from movie studios, often just as they’re released to theaters.

Instead, these Rancho Santa Fe film fans, who also own a West Hollywood condominium they bought from actor Matthew Perry, are willing to pay a premium to screen movies as the Hollywood moguls do.

They didn’t blink at the cost of the movies or the system, built by Prima Cinema Inc.

“When the projector costs three times that, you don’t pay attention to the Prima cost,” said Ken Schultz, an energy company investor who made his money in solar panels. “We have boxes at the Hollywood Bowl, and we go to Disney Concert Hall to see Dudamel. Even if we watch 10 to 12 movies a year on Prima, it is still a fraction of our overall entertainment budget.”

The Schultzes are self-described film buffs and prominent donors to the UCLA Film & Television Archive. They recently used the system to screen the comedies “Admission” and “Identity Thief” in their Art Deco home theater. They did it on the same weekends the pictures opened in theaters.

Prima, which was founded in 2010 and launched its service last year, is banking on more customers like the Schultzes. The Carlsbad, Calif., company’s chief executive, Jason Pang, declined to disclose sales figures but said Prima needs to tap only a small percentage of the total number of very affluent Americans to be successful.

“There are thousands of people out there, if not tens of thousands of people, that could buy this product,” Pang said. “We found the secret sauce to make billionaires act like little giddy schoolchildren.”

A survey of 1,000 U.S. home builders found that 29% of residences they built in 2011 included home theaters, up from 20% a year earlier, according to market research firm Parks Associates.

Patrick Calderone, president of AVX Design & Integration, a West Los Angeles home theater design and installation firm, is one of 15 authorized Prima dealers in the L.A. area. Calderone said that for high-end customers — who spend as much as $2 million on their theaters — the price of the device is in line with other components. He added, though, that “telling someone the movie is $500 to watch is the only time you see them wince, even though they probably spend that when they go to dinner with their wife.”

So far, Prima has deals with Universal Pictures and independents Magnolia Pictures and Cinedigm. It also offers movies from Universal’s Focus Features division and is said to be in talks with Lionsgate to carry the company’s films.

Prima may not pose much of a threat to the Bel-Air circuit. Pang conceded that folks on the circuit already enjoy a high level of convenience but said that access to films is dependent on relationships: “Just because you are on the Bel-Air circuit doesn’t mean you have a relationship with every studio.”

There are also costs to the circuit. Many people who receive films from studios are required to hire a courier who, for a fee of at least $250, will retrieve a digital copy of a movie and then return it to the studio.

And old-school circuit members who still use 35-millimeter projectors must hire projectionists, who typically charge $90 an hour with a four-hour minimum, said Jess Daily, the former chief projectionist at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater, who runs screenings for three people on the circuit.

At least one member of the circuit was skeptical of the Prima service.

“The speed of technological change … and the reality of spending $35,000 for, say, that 40 times you watch it in your screening salon, and $500 a pop for the privilege, is a poor investment that will get little traction,” said Peter Guber, the former head of Sony Pictures Entertainment who is now chairman of Mandalay Entertainment Group, in an email.

If it is successful, Prima could run afoul of the country’s movie theater owners, as Universal Pictures did when, in 2011, the studio planned to offer its “Tower Heist” via video-on-demand services three weeks after the comedy hit theaters. The movie would have cost $60.

Are you happy with the path you have chosen for yourself? Now, based on that answer, what can you do to change or maintain your situation?

While it’s true that life does not come with a “how-to” guide, the beauty of that fact is we get to make up our own journey as we go along. Like a cartographer, we are free to chart a course through a pristine land of limitless possibilities.

Although it is impossible to predict what obstacles we may encounter, and we possess neither the power nor privilege to avoid them completely; our response to these challenges is ours alone. The trouble is, our actions could empower our resolve as we forge ahead or send us back from whence we came.

The key to confronting adversity head on, building upon success and learning from defeat, is to first set out in pursuit of what matters to you. This speaks to the earlier suggestion that you spend some time honestly evaluating your life, accomplishments and aspirations.

As Stephen Covey put it in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, it is important that we “Begin with the End in Mind.” This idea is based on the principle that all things are created twice; first in the mind and again when they are realized in action.

When you become clear, I mean crystal clear about what you want, only then will you be able to achieve it. Otherwise, you end up filling your time with mindless distractions until one day you are overwhelmed by the realization that your life has become the antithesis of everything you want or believe.

To avoid a total meltdown, Covey and many like-minded supporters suggest creating a personal mission statement that will serve as your compass, helping to maintain your bearings while you navigate life’s journey.

There are a variety of methods for defining your mission or vision, but regardless of how you choose to do so, I have found it especially helpful to start by first identifying what you are most passionate about. Then, based on that, create actionable steps that will allow you to live a life centered about that passion.

Unlike goal setting, this exercise is not meant to help you achieve a singular objective. Instead, the intent is to lay the groundwork for living a life that is aligned with your personal morals and convictions so that you may achieve true happiness.

Speaking to the significance of finding purpose, Mark Twain said The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you knew why. If you haven’t figured it out yet, what are you waiting for?

Have a look at my personal mission statement, and then get to work on your own. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this, as long as you are honest with yourself and use your words to guide your actions.

What am I passionate about?

My passions are both simple and complex. I am seeking to use the gifts I have been provided with to contribute or create something of value for others.

I am also committed to improving myself as an individual. I am constantly seeking to challenge myself in both the physical and intellectual sense. I love to travel, explore, read, write, learn, compete, succeed and fail.
In each situation, I am able to reveal something about myself, developing a further understanding of the capabilities of my purpose and the nature of my abilities. I am internally motivated to follow these passions and will continue down this path at all costs.

Actionable Steps:

• Remain simple, wise and kind
• I value my time and recognize its finality, I will not waste it or fill it with idleness or inactivity
• Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, I will remain true to myself, my last name and my convictions
• I will make deliberate choices to structure my life in pursuit of my passions
• I question assumptions, create my own expectations and challenge social norms
• I will investigate the meaning of my life, my purpose and passions
• The only expectations I am interested in fulfilling are those I have created for myself
• Add value to situations and interactions…I will not tear down, instead I only wish to build up
• I value experiences and adventure, what I do and see, more than what I possess or own
• I will do work that brings me joy while making a difference in the lives of others

Personal Mission Statement:

Each day I will align my thoughts and actions in pursuit of my passions so that I may find meaning in my existence and provide something of value to others.

I will work and live according to my own expectations, beliefs and convictions. This will be achieved through initiative, action and reflection to ensure progressive growth. I will make positive contributions to society by displaying good-will, kindness and loyalty.

Like I said, this is not an exercise in determining an individual outcome; it is a big picture project. So far, I have been able to find happiness and success while navigating life’s challenges by acting in accordance to my personal mission. I have found that if you do what you love and you are true to yourself, everything else tends to work itself out.

There are luxury brands that everyone knows, and then there are those few brands that truly only those who are in the know are aware exist. Stefano Ricci is certainly one such brand. Their fashion uses only the finest materials and impeccably assembled pieces with attention to what most would think were the most minute details. This is the foundation of a luxury brand that has lasted for the last 40 plus years, and here’s why it has lasted so long! 

The STEFANO RICCI company was founded in 1972 by Florentine designer Stefano Ricci. Passionate about ties, he decided to create his own designs at a very young age. His creations were immediately received enthusiastically when he first participated in the Pitti Immagine Uomo fashion exhibit in Florence. In this international setting the STEFANO RICCI tie collection emerged thanks to the innovative, yet very classic nature of his patterns. Stefano Ricci had transformed the role of the tie from a simple accessory item to a real protagonist of menswear.

The first STEFANO RICCI shirt collection was launched in 1980. In order to achieve a quality as high as the coveted Stefano Ricci tie, the new venture applied the same successful rules: perfect manufacturing, top quality materials and exclusive designs, all 100% Made in Italy.

In 1993, after reinforcing the brand’s presence in the USA, STEFANO RICCI decided to open its first mono-brand store in Shanghai, in a time where China was still being introduced to high-fashion. A pioneer adventure that within a few years, begun to have excellent results.

While maintaining sartorial indisputable elegance, the Brand stands out for its natural shape of particular lightness, softness and wearability. The STEFANO RICCI menswear collection consists of a wide range of menswear-suits, dress shirts, jeans, polo shirts, casual wear and neckties.

“I have a mission: I want to design garments for the wardrobe of a man who already has everything. Nevertheless who appreciates rare and precious materials, sophisticated details, exclusive prints, unseen shades of colours and a style which is classic but also quite different and personal.” – Stefano Ricci

On the occasion of the 1997 edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo fashion exhibit, after many years of work and constant research in the field of men’s accessories and apparel, Stefano Ricci presented his clothing collection including jackets, suits,

sportswear and launched the STEFANO RICCI “Classic” fragrance. This scent will then be followed in 2009 with the “Platinum” essence and bath set, and in 2011 with the “Aureum” fragrance.

In addition, STEFANO RICCI produces exclusive leather goods and following the ancient Florentine goldsmith tradition, creates a cufflinks collection, using white gold, diamonds, sapphires and other gems.

The extreme research of perfection, the selection of leathers and fabrics and the greatest care for details, represent the core values of the Brand. This motivated the company to purchase in 2010 the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, a true historical factory that produces silk fabrics for noble families throughout the world, since 1786, using antique hand looms to this day.

STEFANO RICCI’s Silk Factory : Antico Setificio Fiorentino
The philosophy guiding Stefano Ricci in the pursuit of his vision, has always been to firmly believe that clothes “Made in Italy” must remain synonymous with classic sartorial style. Thus, from the beginning the company’s efforts has been to focus on achieving the highest level of quality, from the selection of raw materials and handcraft tailoring to the designs’ creation. To ensure this high level of quality, the entire manufacturing is strictly maintained within the company’s headquarters in Italy.

“It is like a fever: even now, after 30 years I am still searching for the thinnest yarn available, new coloring systems, new intriguing combinations of old tradition and modern interpretation. Once I have the finest yarn, woven at the lowest possible speed to avoid any extra stress for the fibre, very often before the final finishing of the cloth I remove it from production and keep it in a room to “decant” it like wine, in order to recover all the sense of the natural fiber” – Stefano Ricci

In 2009, the brand’s line expanded to include the home with the “Royal Suite Collection”, in constant evolution, covering various types of products: porcelain and crystal dinner services, silverware, furnishing accessories, luxury linens and leather goods.

STEFANO RICCI “Royal Suite Collection”
The STEFANO RICCI Brand is deeply involved in the Art world. Their latest catalogues, conceived respectively in collaboration with the Succession René Magritte and artist Jack Vettriano, have been a great success. More than a catalogue, these associations have put into new perspective Stefano Ricci’s creations and the paintings of these infamous artists.

“It is rare for a fashion creator not to measure himself against art, this is why we have decided to present a collection as “told” through Vettriano’s Works. Jack Vettriano created a new imaginary reality and, as so, our photographic direction has rendered the STEFANO RICCI collection worthy of a dream.”- says Filippo Ricci (Artistic Director).

Stefano Ricci “Tribute to Vettriano” Catalogue
On Monday, June 18th 2012, STEFANO RICCI celebrated its 40th Anniversary and launched the 82nd Pitti Immagine Uomo fair with a unique Fashion Event in the prestigious Uffizi Gallery Museum in Florence, for the first time in its history, thanks to the extraordinary collaboration of the Superintendence of Florence’s Museum Pole.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Superintendence for its effective collaboration, for their availability since the very first steps of this dream turning into reality” said Stefano Ricci on the eve of the Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show.

The presentation of the new collection took its roots in the themes of great literature, from the pages of Francis Scott Fitzgerald to the atmospheres evoked by Ernest Hemingway. In addition to his passions, Stefano Ricci was inspired by the true sartorial elegance of the 100% Made-in-Italy production and the Great Mother Africa: the colors and hibernation of silence, nature and exhilaration of being in the wild. The use of crocodile for example is explained from the fondness of masculinity and the sense of survival it entails.

The runway, under the direction of Romeo Conte, showcased double-breasted jackets, fine cashmere-silk, soft crocodile leather jackets and vests, denim and luxurious sport-bags, silk sportswear outfits. It is important to mention the women’s walk-out wearing black silk trousers and shirts holding a limited edition of crocodile bags with accessories in gold and diamonds, together with crocodile belts embellished by jewels, and precious cufflinks.

Stefano Ricci (President & Designer) and Filippo Ricci (Artistic Director)

Without any doubt, the most touching moment was the presence of eight Maasai warriors who flew from Tanzania to express their gratitude to Stefano Ricci’s family which has been involved for many years in projects to protect the Maasailand region. For this reason, the head of the community of Olorash in the area of Monduli near Arusha (Tanzania) wanted a delegation of his people, who never flew out from their territory, to be present at the event. This is a special tribute to Stefano Ricci, who was appointed as Chief of the Maasai community in Simanjiro in 1999. African colors and atmospheres have characterized the creations by Stefano Ricci for forty years.
The evening concluded with a gourmet dinner by Enoteca Pinchiorri with 250 international guests and the inauguration of the Loggia dei Lanzi’s new lighting, a gift from STEFANO RICCI to the city of Florence.

In 2011, the company opened new headquarters in the province of Florence, 5000sqm. in the region of Fiesole, with more than 100 employees. Stefano Ricci has received numerous international awards, highlighted by a significant return in terms of image, combined with steady growth in turnover.

Today, the brand is run by Stefano Ricci, his wife Claudia and his two sons, Niccolò (C.E.O.) and Filippo (Artistic Director). They are more than ever committed to bringing Italian fashion to the world, with 22 boutiques internationally including Beijing, Beverly Hills, Milan, Florence, Monte-Carlo, Moscow, New York, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Doha.

STEFANO RICCI Beverly Hills Store – 270 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 – USA – Tel. +1 (310) 858-9595

With more than 450 square meters on North Rodeo Drive, where the fashion company was already present with a boutique for the past ten years. In this boutique, as in all the other shops, one can feel the exclusivity, the craftsmanship and the concept of the Florentine maison.

“We are focused on international capital cities and opened seven new stores in 2012 : in Zurich, Geneva, Vienna, Abu Dhabi, Saint-Petersburg and China.” – Niccolò Ricci (C.E.O.)

Moreover, Stefano Ricci announced that in September 2012 the brand inaugurated a new bespoke atelier where sewing machines were banned.

Shaving! It’s either the bane of a man’s existance or it’s great fun. I know that I for one just recently began actually enjoying shaving. It’s some great me time and it really impresses my young nieces as they sometimes get to watch the most manly ritual there is.

Thanks to Dove’s new line for men and the interview we did a few days ago I have a newfound hobby that’s also functional! But the eternal question for men has always been since the dawn of shaving, how exactly to get the best shave ever. You know, the one that leaves your skin baby smooth, without all the knicks, cuts, ingrown hairs, and aggravation that is often associated with shaving.

Well our friends over at Grooming Lounge are going to help you out with this video! So check it out and let us know if you have any tips for shaving!

Holt Renfrew has set a man trap baited with hot shaves, leather chairs and liquor. Will it succeed in snaring a new breed of fashion-forward guys? There is a new buzz term being bandied about the Holt Renfrew offices these days: “the male lens.”

After decades of almost unilateral focus on the female market-from CEOs to PYTs to yummy mummys-Canada’s pre-eminent department store has recently embarked on a mission to squeeze that other half of the shopping population. Phase 1 is a pilot project at the Yorkdale Mall location in Toronto, which launched in mid-November and will continue to roll out over the next 10 months as the entire location undergoes a massive, square-foot-doubling overhaul.

“For us, it’s really about tailoring a customer experience-what do our male customers want?” says Alix Box, retail VP at Holt’s and frequent employer of “male lens”-speak. The company’s answer to her question sounds like it was drummed up by an elite team of former frat boys-in the best way possible. New Holt Renfrew men’s shops, set to arrive at all store locations by 2015, will boast a dedicated lounge area tricked out with leather couches, the latest gadgets and even liquor (first bump).

There will also be shoeshine stations, a hot-shave bar and separate entrances because, according to Ms. Box, “a man wants to be able to get his shopping done quickly and doesn’t want to have to walk through dozens of metres of perfume and makeup counters to do so.”

As for the aforementioned pink bags, whether or not they will be given the “male lens” makeover treatment is still up for debate. “At this point,” says Ms. Box, “I can only say that we’re considering it, along with a lot of other options.”

The driving force behind Operation: Dude is Mark Derbyshire, Holt Renfrew’s president and the man personally credited for righting a floundering ship when he came aboard three years ago. At that point, Holt’s was fighting a battle on two fronts-slumping sales resulting from the recession and an increase in competition.

The Bay, led by another visionary, CEO Bonnie Brooks, had newly re-established itself as a power player on the high-fashion landscape, while the increasing regularity of online shopping meant Holt’s was also waging war with high-end American brands. Derbyshire’s bold strategy-a return to luxury, fewer sales, a focus on prestige brands-paid off, and the company banked record profits in 2010. At the same time, Canada’s retail landscape on the whole was making a speedy recovery compared to Europe and the States.

Our economic health explains the recent frenzy of foreign interest-Louis Vuitton’s top-tier “Maison” locations in Vancouver and Toronto are shiny, city-block-spanning testaments to our nation’s indomitable spending power. Same goes for the collection of J. Crew stores opening across the country and imminent arrivals of Nordstroms, Kate Spade and Bloomingdales, the last of which has been in talks to partner with the Bay.

The fact that the long-neglected luxury male customer is suddenly the most popular girl at the dance was in some ways inevitable. “Part of it is just a matter of responding to an overly crowded market in terms of women’s fashion,” explains James Smerdon, director of retail consulting at Colliers. Rather than fighting for female dollars, he says it only makes sense that retailers would start seeking out under-served markets. Recent data from NPD statistics confirms the boys are a bright spot in a stagnant or sinking market: overall clothing sales in Canada were down by 2% to $22.9 billion in 2011, but the male market rose by 3%.

Gucci suit, $1,810 This species changes plumage often. It’s known for its luxurious coat (Gucci suit, $1,810) and identifiable by the fine details around its neck (Stefano Ricci tie, $270), chest (Thomas Pink shirt, $215) and feet (Prada shoes, $640). (Photos: Javier Lovera)

Mirroring the food trends of the past half-decade, men’s fashion has seen a post-recessionary return to craftsmanship, quality and timelessness. After so much unexpected loss (savings, houses, discretionary spending), a renewed interest in things that are permanent and reliable is only natural-you might drop $800 on a pair handmade John Lobb oxfords, but should the nuclear holocaust hit, those shoes are gonna outlast the cockroaches, which is certainly more than you can say for a trucker cap.

“We’re seeing a lot of what we call ‘pleasure revenge,’ where after poor economic times, consumers seek pleasure through retail therapy,” says Mr. Smerdon. Far from being bad for business, the competitive job market has encouraged spending as a means of standing out from the crowd and “looking the part.” Even more significant, instant gratification has become the de facto religion of members of Gen X and Gen Y.

We see, we want, we get and somewhere between the metaphysical uncertainty of post-9/11, the financial instability of the recent meltdown and the newly omnipresent #YOLO mantra, we have come to believe we deserve it too. In what was arguably the last golden age of the sartorial male, Gordon Gekko said, “Greed is good.” Today’s admittedly less-gilded fashion plate probably doesn’t even consider his appetites to be greedy.

At Holt’s, they’re hoping this means the man cave will be a hit, maybe even “herald a new era of men’s fashion,” to quote Mark Derbyshire. The groundwork is in place: over the holidays, analysts predict that spending will hit an all-time high, which means it’s simply a matter of standing out.

It won’t be easy-American interlopers aside, Harry Rosen has recently staged it’s own major expansion, and the Bay unrolled the world’s largest Top Man store in its Vancouver location last month. In other words, we probably won’t be hearing the words “under-served market” for much longer. Gentleman, ready your shopping carts (and save room for a whisky).

SOURCE: MSN MONEY

It’s now the middle of May and we’re seeing all kinds of styles for men leading into Summer. We wanted to highlight just a couple of them that we thought were great. And well some of our personal favorites. It’s very important for today’s man to feel just as good as he looks as we all know. When you look good. You also feel good! So we’ve highlighted three style elements from top to bottom down to what you carry your stuff in that are perfect for the remainder of the month of May!  Check them out below! 

Santoni’s antiqued Quebec oxford ($690) and Shipley boot ($795) exhibit the sort of soft patina that usually results from extensive wear and care. Yet the Italian shoemaker spends a painstaking three weeks repeatedly dying and brushing the leather to create the warm, rough finish of each new piece of footwear. The leather heels and soles are stone-washed and hammered to achieve an equally aged look—and more comfortable pliability. Santoni, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 212.753.4000,www.saksfifthavenue.com —Jill Newman

Ralph Lauren relaxes the stiffness of the classic sport coat with its Black Label Denim version in crinkled cotton ($1,295), which pairs perfectly with a soft suede Western shirt ($1,995). The textured materials appear comfortably broken in, yet the garments’ tailored lines lend polish to either a pair of jeans or slacks. Ralph Lauren, 212.606.2100, www.ralphlauren.com —J.N.

Like a seasoned traveler, this handsome duffel by the Italian leather-goods brand Marsèll dispenses with unnecessary frills in favor of a convenient combination of functionality and style. Constructed from creased and washed leather and simply shaped, the bag ($1,595) is left virtually unadorned to achieve a clean, sporty look. Marsèll, available at Barneys New York, 212.826.8900, www.barneys.com —J.N.