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New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/beauty/la-prairie-skin-caviar-luxe-cream-sheer-the-ultimate-luxury-collection/

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer, the ultimate luxury collection

There is no doubt that La Prairie invented the ultimate luxury in terms of cosmetics with the Skin Caviar collection. Back in 1998, La Prairie settled the foundations of what would become a true icon in the cosmetic industry: the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. Based in the cutting edge technology developed since 1987, La Prairie established all the codes for a luxury cosmetic product. From colors to texture, scent, active ingredients it was a true revolution in the old powdery cosmetic market. Modern cosmetology was born. More than 20 years later, La Prairie signs a new chapter in this contemporary approach of cosmetics by introducing Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer. We were lucky to get an exclusive experience with La Prairie Switzerland at the Hotel La Reserve in Geneva. A special moment that helped to understand more about this amazing brand. During this session, we could meet key people like Mr Werner Dirks, General Manager Switzerland La Prairie Group and Sonja Glavas Marketing Manager La Prairie Switzerland. Thanks to this very refined meeting, many valuable information was shared, so we could better understand the philosophy behind this new launches.

Thanks to an extraordinary concentration of Caviar extracts in the formula, associated with the La Prairie exclusive cellular complex, the new Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer has all the very best of La Prairie inside. In order to propose a different texture, La Prairie decided to make it lighter. Either to attract a new customer to the Skin Caviar franchise or to propose an alternative usage for the loyal customer, this new product has loads of advantages. Another interesting fact with the launch of this new product, it is the international facet of La Prairie. Always listening to its customers’ opinions, La Prairie wishes to bring a very universal formulation and texture combination. It is in a certain way the idea of providing a real choice between the original cream and the new one. It also completes the existing collection and today the Skin Caviar series is very consistent and perfectly balanced.

  The Formula of the new product, as mentioned, contains the very best of La Prairie. The unique combination thanks to the mastery of cosmetics experts at La Prairie, gives to this cream an exceptional efficiency.

Caviar extract: Rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It contains natural components required for the structure and vitality of a healthy skin. It offers firmness, protection, nourishing and energy.

Malt extract: It protects the skin collagen by its degrading-enzyme inhibition action.

Hydrating Complex: Red algae extract, Hyaluronic acid, Polyglucuronic acid and Polysaccharides originally from the sea, will moisturize and instantly sooth the skin for a fresher result.

Brown Algae extract: Inhibits tyrosinase activity for a more even bright, smooth and purified skin tone.

Sage, Arnica and Marigold extracts: natural ingredients known for its action in fighting skin irritation.

Vitamins A, C and E: Very active ingredients that has an antioxydant action, preserving the skin.

Exclusive Cellular Complex: The patented anti-aging Scientific La Prairie signature, a well kept secret for nearly forty years. This patented complex is the basis of all La Prairie cosmetic formulas since the foundation of the brand. This exclusive Cellular Complex, a product of biotechnology research advanced, gives life and energy to the cells at the origin of beauty. It target cells and essential components of the extracellular matrix, for a younger-looking skin.

La Prairie not only provides amazing formulas that literally melt into your skin, but has also great packaging that makes La Prairie cosmetic collections one of the most modern look-and-feel products in the market. It is a true contemporary approach of design in the cosmetic world. Most of the codes used by La Prairie have timeless basis, so even 20 years after it   still has a modern look, very contemporary. With the launch of Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer, the packaging got all the attention to details that we know from the Swiss brand.

The round outer packaging, the silver spoon elegantly placed in the inner support and the La Prairie stamp in the front makes this product a beautiful piece of contemporary design that you want to have in your bathroom or bedroom. A real beauty for the eyes.

Another product to be launched is the Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15. This product will be the perfect companion to your Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer. Both professional and luxury care anti-dark circles, Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15 meets both products in the same bottle that adorns the emblematic color of La Prairie “blue caviar”  for a natural complexion and a zero defects skin .

  Its light and luxurious formula, enriched with a new peptide for firmness and elasticity city increased, gives skin a flawless natural complexion and long-lasting hydration for a delightfully fresh finish.

The assorted professional concealer, slipped to the top of the bottle, camouflages dark circles and imperfections. Their formula strengthens and protects the skin thanks to the legendary caviar extracts, and helps protect the skin against aging factors. Appreciated for its texture and perfecting its long coverage, the Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15 is a must in makeup. Available in 12 shades for all skin tones.

Last but not least, La Prairie wishes to reaffirm its position as one of the ultimate luxury cosmetic brand thanks to a very special limited edition for the holiday season: Caviar Spectacular. 

This fall, La Prairie joins forces with Baccarat, the famous and prestigious Crystal house founded in 1764, to create hand-crafted masterpiece, a breathtaking limited edition for all La Prairie fans: Caviar Spectacular. A work of pure poetry that will talk to the heart of all La Prairie fans but also to all caviar aficionados. Each brilliant crystal goblets limited edition – 1500 in total – is made by hand. The form contains the famous hexagonal foot Baccarat Harcourt 1841, re- known for a long time as an icon of know-how and elegance. The cup stands on a base with six sides and six facets that capture light at all angles and restore their beauty, for every event turns into refined feast. The base is topped with a cobalt blue cabochon to symbolize the union of these two iconic brands, synonymous with perfection in artistry, design and innovation.

The limited edition comes with a 75ML Skin Caviar Luxe Cream for the face. Once the product is over, you can replace it with a crystal plate that will allow you to use the exquisite goblet to serve Caviar to your guests. Only La Prairie could do it.

All these new products will be available from September 2015 in all La Prairie official point of sales. For the Caviar Spectacular limited edition, only 1500 units will be available worldwide, so you might hurry up if you wish to be part of the happy few to get it. You can check more information

It is outstanding the way La Prairie is keeping its positioning in terms of ultimate luxury cosmetic brand for the past 20 years. Only a few brands in history have reached such levels of expertise, luxury and sophistication. In a not so easy market, La Prairie innovates and surprise its customers with only the very best that science and nature have to offer.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/art/les-editions-du-griffon-swiss-publishing-house-for-beautiful-art-books/

Les Editions du Griffon, Swiss Publishing house for beautiful art books.

Print is not dead. It sounds a big statement but it is true. In a world where digital becomes a rule, we could have imagined that printed books, magazines and newspapers would stop existing. Well, we realize that the more people go online, the more there is room for a printed document in your life. This month we met Les Editions du Griffon, a historical Publishing House in Neuchâtel. For a couple of hours, we could talk about beautiful books, arts and a lot of passion.

Les Editions du Griffon, a jewel in the art of Book publishing

During the Second world war, there was a lack of books for schools and for children. It was as we can imagine hard times. In Switzerland, in the Neuchâtel canton, Marcel Joray, decided to change the situation about books. Being a school teacher himself, he decides in 1944 to create Les Editions du Griffon. The initial mission was to publish school books in order to keep culture and education alive. With the years passing by, Marcel Joray started developing as well arts and culture in his Publishing house. He is also at the start of several cultural activities in Switzerland.

First Swiss outdoor exhibition in Bienne about Sculpture in 1954

First Swiss exhibition in Neuchâtel about Abstract painting in 1957

Launch of an amazing collection called “Les Trésors de mon Pays”

He launched one of the firsts collections of Contemporary Art books that get international recognition

Author of several books about Contemporary Art

For his books, Marcel Joray received the International Award for Art books in Jerusalem for his work about Vasarely in 1971. He was then given the high honor of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres title. He was as well in 1980 Honoris Doctor of Bern University. Les Editions du Griffon decade after decade specialized in the publishing of Art books and the Publishing House launched several monographies from artists of the Post-war period. To reference only some of the major editions:

Brancusi

Vasarely

Soto

Gabo

Schöffer

Adam

For this amazing work, Les Editions du Griffon became a worldwide reference and a true Swiss heritage.

Les Editions du Griffon today and tomorrow

3 years ago, Mr Julien Gonzalez-Alonso took over Les Editions du Griffon. After being the Director of  a major contemporary art auction house in Paris, Mr. Gonzalez-Alonso decided to put himself at the service of contemporary creation. And that is how he became a book publisher. He had at heart to be an actor of creation by supporting authors, artists and institutions. For Mr Gonzalez-Alonso, books are about transmission, sharing, generosity, memory and eternity.

Les Editions du Griffon has 4 main collection:

Trésors de mon Pays: This collection celebrates Switzerland, its heritage and the memory of a lost past. It highlights landscapes, industries, men and culture. There is also special beautiful books about Swiss artists. 20 references already published from Yves Dana, Wolf Barth, Erwin Rehman, Le Corbusier, Ofön Koch… And the list will grow with future publications.

L’Art du 20e siècle + suivants: more than 40 monographies of contemporary artists, all international references. From Victor Vasarely to Yaakov Agam, Lourdes Castro, Naum Gabo, Gunther Gerzso, Marino Di Teana, Arthur-Luiz Piza, Antoine Pevsner, Nicolas Schöffer, Jesus-Rafael Soto or Kemény. Loyal to its roots, les Editions du Griffon will continue the highlight of contemporary artists and their impressive talent.

Bespoke Books: As a private project or a corporate one, a beautiful book is something that marks a special moment or  a special project. Between 50 to 50’000 units, the Editions du Griffon will bring you their know-how and quality to all editorial projects you might have.

Bibliothèque Scientifique: One hundred scientific, technical and philosophical books published by the Griffon and the Maison Vaudoise Fonds Rouge (redeemed by Editions du Griffon in 1959). The last available copies are still very current and desired.

New projects by Editions du Griffon, writing the future of the Publishing house.

Les Editions du Griffon is reborn and every year there will be an effort made to publish valuable and beautiful art books. On the recent projects there are 3 that are already published and one incoming major book. The following projects can be seen here on the Publishing house website: http://griffon.dixens.org/nouveautes

Vasarelyptiques coffret , Victor Vasarely (1906-1997)

This anthology of the work of Vasarely brings the ultimate original copies of Vasarelyptiques albums, complemented with unpublished documents (1954-2013) gathered in exclusive boxes whose design are part of the tradition of the artist’s work .

Here is a presentation video about the coffret.

Album de Naissance, Lourdes Castro (born in 1930)

The great Portuguese artist had created this album in 1972. Here it is the artist’s book published now in limited edition of 120 copies, signed and numbered by the artist. Sketchbook containing 15 tests: Colour serigraph on Bristol, collage and photographic print. 120 copies, signed and numbered by the artist.

Monographie, Arthur Luiz Piza (born in 1928)

The first reference in terms of monography on the Brazilian artist living in Paris since 1951, covering an entire career dedicated over 60 years to the exploration of volumes. 1000 copies, 99 copies de tête and 23 copies in deluxe edition.

After these amazing publications, Les Editions du Griffon are currently working on a great new project. For the first time, you will be able to read a monograph about Isidore Isou, the creator of the Lettrism

Isidore Isou (1925-2007) by Frédéric Acquaviva

The first monograph on Isidore Isou, the creator of Lettrisme, avant-garde movement started in 1946 in Paris. This work, which echoes the pioneering publications Griffon editions (Brancusi in 1959) will be mainly devoted to visual art Isou, while evoking its innovative designs in poetry, film or novel. 250 pages and 250 illustrations

Lettrism is a French avant-garde movement, established in Paris in the mid-1940s by Romanian immigrant Isidore Isou. In a body of work totaling hundreds of volumes, Isou and the Lettrists have applied their theories to all areas of art and culture, most notably in poetry, film, painting and political theory. In French, the movement is called Lettrisme, from the French word for letter, arising from the fact that many of their early works centred on letters and other visual or spoken symbols.

As you can see, Les Editions du Griffon is back for good and after celebrating last year its 70th anniversary, we all hope that it will be around for 70 years more. Mr Julien Gonzalez-Alonso is a very passionate person, true books lover and deserve to succeed in this endeavor. So do not hesitate to visit the company website to get more information about the incoming publications: http://griffon.dixens.org

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/fashion/miss-claire-suisse-you-can-wear-fine-lingerie-every-day/

Miss Claire Suisse, you can wear fine lingerie every day.

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but lingerie is every women’s companion. From the day-to-daylife to a one night celebration, lingerie has always being part of a woman’s femininity, seduction or even comfort. This week we met Miss Claire Suisse, an interesting lingerie brand with one specific goal: They are committed to offer the opportunity for all women to wear every day refined and quality lingerie at an affordable price.

Miss Claire Suisse believes that quality of service is a differentiator key in a competitive market. We set the goal of becoming the preferred brand of our current and future clients.

 Miss Claire, a know-how at the service of women.

When you meet a new brand, one of the first questions you might have is the background of the company and how the products are made. With Miss Claire, things are pretty clear and reassuring. The company started to produce mariage portions for women in 1960 and in the 80’s the first collections of underwear and lingerie started. For several years the company manufactured lingerie for very well known and established brands, like Triumph, Oysho, Etam, Chantelle, La Senza… After a while, Miss Claire brand was born, in 1997. 18 years later, Miss Claire is located in Istanbul, Turkey. Established in a 6’ooo m2 offices, Miss Claire has a production capacity of 350’000 pieces per month. Why Turkey? Well, When it comes to Lingerie, you need to find a high-skilled tradition and know-how in dentelle and fine-clothes. Turkey has decades of tradition in lingerie and lace. Several families started businesses around lace and lingerie after the Second world war. Miss Claire has a perfect background that allow customers to benefit from the best techniques at an affordable price.

Miss Claire offers a wide variety of trends, fancy or classic woman underwear, able to meet a multitude of needs. The company develops its business and markets for many years and is now present in several European countries and on others continents. For Switzerland, Miss Claire is Miss Claire Suisse. They have offices between Geneva and Lausanne. And all activities in the Swiss market are managed in Switzerland. Lingerie is also about design and style. All design work for Miss Claire is done in France and in the UK by the best Lingerie designers of the moment.

Miss Claire Suisse, 100% online, a digital boudoir

Miss Claire Suisse has a clear “parti-pris” about the way to commercialize its lingerie. Always concerned by proposing the best quality at an affordable price, Miss Claire Suisse decided to go online and embrace a 100% digital distribution. Their aim is to keep distribution and marketing costs as low as possible, focus on production and quality. Prices goes from CHF 29 to HF 150. So their mission to offer the possibility to women to wear everyday fine-lingerie is accomplished.

Miss Claire proposes 5 collections of lingerie and underwear:

Fashion

Classic

Pure

Interior

Pure

With these different collections, every woman can find the perfect piece to answer to a day-to-day need or a special occasion, or both. Miss Claire explores colors, shapes, materials, anatomic designs and of course a full range of affordable prices. So no excuse to find your dreamed lingerie.

Miss Claire has a very interesting offer in the Pure collection. Pure products have sustained a washing procedure with a special ferment that guarantees. The quality and the shape of the cotton underwear whilst strict microbiological controls make sure that the product is friendly to the skin. In addition the finishing with a ferment of silicone seals the softness and the perfect fitting of the Pure collection.

As you can see, Miss Claire is a very interesting brand. Their approach of being 100% online is very interesting. The website is very well done, there is all the reassurance required and in the website you can even find a local phone number to contact in case of doubt. Little note about the models presented in the website. They are very little photoshopped which gives them the allure of real women rather than extra-terrestrials. Naturally they are all very beautiful women but basically that is it.

Please visit the brand website for more information about the company and the products. The stocks are regularly updated so you will never end up trying to buy something that you cannot.

http://missclairesuisse.ch 

Miss Claire is a very clear business with a clear mission about how to please its customers. Dedicated people are key for success and qualitative products at the right price are the foundation of a very sustainable business. Well done.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/luxury/eres-2015-spring-summer-collection-beautiful-and-elegant/

Eres 2015 Spring-Summer collection, beautiful and elegant

Eres is a beautiful swimwear and lingerie house. Created initially by the imagination and the will of a woman, the French luxury house Eres represents a must in terms of body-wear. Each season, Eres reveals amazing creations, always finding the right balance between glamour and comfort, style and structure. A beautiful brand that reveals women’s inner beauty.

Eres, a matter of elegance with quality, unique design and outstanding colors

When Irène Leroux launched Eres in 1968 at Place de la Madeleine in Paris, her aim was to create an unique and original swimwear brand based on elegance and timeless style. She took over her parents business about swimsuits. At that time her parents would sell swimsuits only in the summer season and Irène Leroux had this crazy idea, for that time, to sell them all year long. She simplifies all the models, restructure them and start proposing amazing designs and colors. In a great success story Eres crossed decades of creation and always trying both innovation and loyalty to the brand DNA. In 1996, Irène Leroux sells the company to Chanel and associates her business to the jewel of French luxury and fashion. She keeps her role as Artistic Director of Eres. With the support of Chanel, Irène Leroux decides to extend the brand territory by launching in 1998 its first line of Lingerie.

Eres Lingerie Collection 1998

Capitalizing on Eres know-how in the swimsuit industry, we can see from the first collections to today a clear vision of femininity. The fluid lines follow the body silhouette. Women feel comfortable and sexy with a natural and authentic style. Materials, structures and decoration are studied carefully season after season in order to build a solid and evolutive business.

Eres 2015 Spring-Summer Collection, beautiful and inspired

17 years after the first lingerie collection, Eres pursuits the line of its founder. This year the Spring-Summer collection is an amazing one. The spirit of the collection is inspired by muses, illustrious women and royal mistresses such as Juliette Récamier, Madame du Barry, Joséphine de Beauharnais and Madame de Pompadour. All powerful women and all loved by men that were ready to commit the craziest acts for love and passion. This inspiration signs a very determined collection in which Estampe lace fades into the skin as if it was lightly sketched across its surface.

The ethereal Coton Amourette is trimmed with Chantilly lace, French embroidery is scalloped with Volupté while Satin Duchesse is decorated with a crown of flowers. Salomé lace is enhanced with satin effects and a scattering of geometric shapes. The fabrics, which are inspired by portraits of these heroines, are sparkling, light, refined and feminine. Here is a image gallery with the highlights of the new collection .

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As you can see, Eres is a magical story about femininity, glamour yet with a natural sensuality, comfort and allure. You can check the brand website to get more information about the amazing and unique universe of Eres here: http://www.eresparis.com

When French glamour meets elegance, femininity and passion for details, only the very best can be accomplished. LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/travel/5-reasons-for-why-you-should-live-in-switzerland/

5 reasons for why you should live in Switzerland

Switzerland is an amazing country that offers great opportunities for work as well for living. It is a country with great treasures that you are not necessary aware of. Did you ever think about moving in? Well, the following points might motivate you to do so. Here are our 5 reasons for why you should live in Switzerland.

Reason number 1: a more natural life

One of the striking aspects of living in Switzerland is the closeness with nature. Basically withing 30mn you can go from a city center like Zürich or Geneva to the middle of the countryside or to a top of a mountain. The beauty of Switzerland landscapes will seduce more than one. You experience life differently like if you were always on holidays. You rediscover the rhythm of seasons. Every season is marked by different weather, temperatures, colors and smells. You tend to buy more “local” so you rediscover the taste of good things from the garden. Basically you do not necessary eat the same calibered, untasteful red tomato all year long and suddenly you are happy with that. You get more connected to what you smell, taste, touch… Well, you connect better with life. Is it all about lakes and mountains? Well, there are also green meadows with a lovely countryside. And aside of that, yes, there are a lot of mountains and lakes. The closeness with nature makes you more relaxed and also help you to better organize your life. You get better into shape as well… As long you go easy with the cheese fondue, raclette and other mountaineering specials. Here are 3 spots you need to visit if you come to Switzerland, no matter if it is for a long weekend or a lifetime experience.

Zermatt, the Matterhorn and the Glacier Express

If you want to experience the true beauty of the Swiss Alps, you need to visit Zermatt, the Matterhorn mountain(4’478m) region and then take the Glacier Express train from Zermatt to St Moritz. You will discover an amazing region sharped by eternal glaciers, majestic mountains and warm-hearted villages. From Zermatt, you can take a small train and climb up to 3’100m to Gornergrat where you can find an amazing sight seing over the Matterhorn and a Victorinox Swiss Army shop.

Interlaken and the Jungfrau

The Interlaken region has seduced nature fans since the 19th century when people would seek a closer contact with nature as well as a healthier environment. The Jungfrau mountain reaches 4’158m and thanks to a mountain train, you can almost reach the top. It is an amazing experience. With good weather you can see all of Switzerland in one snapshot. If you are looking for a nice hotel to visit this region, check out our review here.

The Leman Riviera, from cosmopolitan Geneva to Jazzy Montreux

The Leman riviera is the region going from Geneva through Lausanne and continuing up to Montreux. It is a marvelous area dominated by the Leman Lake or Lake Geneva. With a total surface of 581km2, it is one of the biggest lakes in Europe and by far the biggest Alpine lake. Thanks to the lake, the winter temperatures are never too cold and summer is always fresher. From the Lavaux vineyards to an amazing MontBlanc sight-seeing, you can enjoy an amazing scenery every day. You can find the best hotels around the Leman Lake in our useful guide. Just click here.

Reason number 2: a better balance in your life

The second reason why you should seriously think to moving to Switzerland is the accomplishment of a better balance in your life. The way things are organized in Switzerland helps to have a better life. You start your days early than in other countries but you can finish your work early as well, so you have more time for sports, walking, taking care of your children or basically do all the things you are supposed to do only on weekends by lack of time. City structures are also very adapted to children, so you will not feel handicapped because you have a baby-buggy for example. There are a lot of cultural life going on. From national museums, to private organizations, galleries and ateliers, you will be able to attend to art exhibitions you would never see of that quality abroad. Because of all these, Swiss life is not stressful and so people tend to be more relaxed in general which brings a certain coolness to the country. Naturally, many things tend to remain the same. Well we do not need to change something we believe is right. Or if any change is required, taking the time for that change to happen is more like a quality of respect.

Reason number 3: Job opportunities and a calm booming economy

Switzerland business life is like the lake, we like it when it is calm without too much waves. That is how business is generally like in Switzerland. Switzerland rather prefer to have between 1 to 5% every year rather than jumping around on a double digit growth that might not be sustainable in time. Business partnerships tend to last for a long time and loyalty in business is a quality that anyone in Switzerland would admire. There are also several professional opportunities in Switzerland. Many international brands are settled in Switzerland. Some of them have their worldwide HQ in the country, others have their European offices and most possess local interesting businesses. Switzerland is a small market but generally has a high penetration rate in certain industries. Pharmaceuticals, watch-making, food and beverage industries or banks will provide amazing job opportunities. Here are some of the amazing brands you could work for in Switzerland:

Nestlé

Nespresso

Swatch Group

Novartis

Roche

Richemont Group

Kuoni

Rolex

Tamoil

Logitech

Triumph

Oettinger Davidoff

Lindt & Sprüngli

Givaudan

Firmenich

Bobst

United Nations

FIFA

UEFA

FIBA

CERN

World Economic Forum

Philip Morris International

The British Tobacco Company

Of course all the big banks and insurances are in Switzerland. So as you can see there are loads of opportunities. There are currently 141’131 people unemployed in Switzerland. The unemployment rate is at 3.3%, a record in Europe when you see how bad is France, Spain, Germany or even the UK. Swiss salaries are a great temptation as generally they are much higher than in other countries. Nevertheless, living in Switzerland has also a very high cost, so you better do your calculations if you wish to enjoy the beautiful Swiss life.

Reason number 4: International meet local, an unique experience

Switzerland is considered as a small Europe on its own. There are 4 official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansch. If you dig an extra layer, you realize it is not only German, it is Swiss German. And each village in the German-speaking area has its own version of Swiss-German. Since 2012, the foreign population, resident in Switzerland, crossed the mark of 23%. Total population today is 8.2 million inhabitants. This means there is almost 2 million foreigners living in Switzerland. Most of them are from European Union (64%): Germans, French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish. Due to political alliances, Switzerland is also a land for political refugees, so there is an important community of people from war areas: Serbia, Tamil or Turkish. So all these people from different cultures and backgrounds live together. Because of that, English became a sort of 5th (non)official language in the country.

Reason number 5: Switzerland is the king of transports

If you already live in Switzerland or came at least once to the country, you will be stroke by the high efficiency of public transport. Trains are something amazing in this country. Switzerland has the most dense railway network in the world. Basically you can go to everywhere in the country from anywhere. Public transport will even take you to top of mountains thanks to the mountain trains and the Postal buses.

Switzerland has general subscriptions that allow you to take any transport means (bus, train, boat, cable-cars). It is an unique system. As being a modern country, they have developed a mobile App that allow you to check train schedules, book your journey and buy online your tickets. You can present your mobile phone to the controller and he will scan a QR code directly from your smartphone screen. Swiss public transports are in general always on time. If there is a problem with the train, no worries, they will find you another train and get you to destination with a minimum delay. So things work in Switzerland. Based on the above points, Switzerland represent an amazing land to live in. A country with no weird diseases, no natural catastrophes, no crazy politics and a certain idea of individual respect… It is a rare thing in this world. So yes there are amazing opportunities for you in Switzerland.

If you wish to explore more, you can visit the following recommended websites that will give you a pretty good impression of how things in the country.

MySwitzerland http://www.myswitzerland.com

Federal Administration https://www.admin.ch

Working in Switzerland https://www.ch.ch/en/work-switzerland-foreign-national/ http://www.swissinfo.ch

You just need to make it happen. Basically, it is up to you!

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/art/birdy-kids-at-artshop-lausanne-must-see/

Birdy Kids at ArtShop Lausanne - Must see!

Lausanne will shine with bright and vibrant colors from tonight. Birdy Kids are in town. Always on the cutting edge of art, Virginie Bridy and her trendy ArtShop in Lausanne present an exhibition of some chosen artwork of street artists Birdy Kids.

Street Art is not dead

Street Art is a visual art created in public locations. It can be executed in different ways, places and the artist has a vast choice in terms of techniques:

Spray-Painted Graffiti

Stencil Graffiti

Wheat-Pasted Poster art

Sticker art

Pop-Up art

Street Installations

Street Sculpture

Video Projections

Yam Bombing

Lock On

After the Second World War, the world of arts entered a post-modern phase in which artists decided to quit the traditional art channels like galleries and to explore other ways to exhibit their art. There is a complete refusal of an established system and the idea to explore the city walls was something quite tempting. They bring art to a high social visibility. Art, or popular art gets to the streets and enjoy an extreme day-to-day visibility. The artist wishes to communicate ditectly to the public, a large audience to be exposed to the artist message. in general, street art explores several themes from music, to popular iconography, politics or sport events. Generally we can see socially relevant content with a high degree of aesthetics. Everything started already in the 60’s in the US with post war artwork. The 70’s started spreading street art as part of pop art and the 80’s were the high peak thanks to street culture development:

Rap Music, street/Urban music

Electronic Music

Street dance

Spray-painted Graffiti

  Some street artists use “smart vandalism” as a way to raise awareness of social and political issues. Other street artists simply see urban space as an untapped format for personal artwork, while others may appreciate the challenges and risks that are associated with installing illicit artwork in public places.

Birdy Kids, the legitimate heritage of Street Art

Birdy Kids is a group of French artists from Lyon. Gauthier, Stéphane et Guillaume created Birdy Kids in 1989 in Lyon. They started by creating a cartoon character called Birdy. They tagged Birdy along the high-ways nearby Lyon.

At the beginning, they were considered as vandals and step by step they started being associated with the city cultural scene. They started exhibiting their art in other French cities including Paris. In 2000 they became officially a representative of Street Art. In 2012, Birdy Kids receive the official recognition of their city Lyon by becoming an official Cultural ambassador of Lyon.

Birdy Kids at ArtShop Lausanne

With a edgy and sharp artistic choices, once again ArtShop proposes an unique exhibition currently in Switzerland. By welcoming Birdy Kids in Lausanne, people have the opportunity to discover this original, colorful and vibrant universe of street art. Birdy Kids is not a nostalgic journey to the 80’s. It is a fresh look into Street art. It takes its inspirations from the very beginning of street art and revamps this urban universe with their art. It is a very interesting creative artwork that contrasts with the grey urban landscape.

With this exhibition, Birdy Kids will present a fresh vision of art in which we recover the young child that stands in our hearts. It also provides an emotional feeling in order to remind us our part of humanity.

ARTSHOP LAUSANNE BIRDY KIDS – From May 29th to June 12th 2015 Rue du Flon 8 – Quartier du Rôtillon CH-1005 Lausanne Tel: +41 (0)21 558 62 36 http://the-art-shop.ch

If you live in Lausanne and/or you are passing by in the incoming days, do not hesitate to visit ArtShop. You will be amazed by these team of artists.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/fashion/friday-chronicle-15-the-next-gisele-bundchen-or-the-raiders-of-the-lost-ark/

Friday Chronicle #15: The next Gisele Bundchen or the raiders of the lost ark.

Who is going to be the next big hit? Who is going to be the next Gisele Bundchen? Since the Brazilian top model decided to retire from the fashion catwalks, our fashion soul feel a little abandoned. We feel that the time in which Top models were strong symbols of glamour, desire and success is over. The new generation of models are more like short-phenomenons rather than a true super-star establishment. Model agencies are always scouting for the “lost Ark”, it means they have people all over the world to scout, find and spot the next big hit, the next Gisele. It is a hope to see again a super star to rise. So in order to stop this Gisele-Blues, let’s focus in the future of top modeling and who are the next generation. Potentially we shall see the rise of a new “Gisele”.

Top Models, the aura of a super star

The 80’s saw the establishment of the top model status to the rank of super stars. Girls like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer leaded the way, followed in the 90’s by Kate Moss and other Laetitia Casta, Naomi Campbell and Elle McPherson. It was the time that top models were more popular than singers and actresses. They were not women any more, they were goddesses of Glamour, sexiness and beauty. They represented a new era of feminine aesthetics. It was also the era when fashion photographers started using photoshop that gave an extra layer of perfection to these beauties. In 1996, the fashion world discover a new wonder, Gisele Bundchen. She is 16 years old and she represents a new type of fashion models. She is natural, far from beying artificially perfect and has personality. She is also attached to nature and her yoga lessons, so she brings a new wave. She was also the one to open the door to Brazilian top models as thanks to her, the model companies got suddenly interested in Brazil. And since then we know the success of Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima and Isabeli Fontana. In 2015, Gisele Bundchen announced her intention to retire from fashion shows and our souls of fashionistas became suddenly orphan. We shall not talk about Cara Delevingne. She is definitely the supreme it-girl right now, but for how long? We all remember Agyness Deyn for example that came as fast as she left. So for the moment we leave Ms Delevingne aside for the purpose of the article. Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen were the last true mega-stars in the modeling business and we wonder who will be the next Gisele or the next Kate.

Top 5 new fashion models that we should pay attention to

Sara Sampaio, Portugal, 23 years old

Sara Sampaio is by far the most successfull Portuguese model. She became the first Victoria Secret’s Angel from her country. Naturally this means a big visibility for her and also the fact that she is super gorgeous. In 2014 she was elected “rookie of the year” by Sports Illustrated magazine and is definitely a promising model.

Julia Saner, 23 years old, Switzerland

Did we ever heard something related to a “Swiss top-model” in the past? Nope. Now things are about to change thanks to Julia Saner. Born in Switzerland, she has the potential to become the most well known Swiss model of all times. Spotted in Zürich and winner in 2009 of the Elite Model Management, she decided to finish her studies before embracing the modeling career (clever girl). School finished, she started her first fashion week. Hoping to get one fashion show, she ended up doing 27 catwalks! All fashion designers want to have her and Anna Wintour her-self thinks she has a great look. Now she is the chouchou of Chanel, Vuitton, Valentino or Mulberry. Her face is both angel and demon. You better watch out.

Daphne Groeneveld, 21 years old, Netherlands

Top models are not only American, Brazilian and French. They can also be Dutch. The perfect example is Daphne Groeneveld. She was born in 1994 in the Netherlands and her young model career is already pretty full with all top luxury brands. She is more well known thanks to her collaboration with Dior on the fragrance Dior Addicted as well as in the make-up ranges. She symbolizes a new generation of Dutch models that are invading the fashion space. It is a good thing.

Lindsay Wixon, 21 years old, United States of America.

She is also called “baby face”, Lindsay Wixon was born in Kansas state in the US and she is 21 years old. She is right now predicted to have a great modeling career. She is known for her unique looks, defined in part by her “bee-stung lips”, “rosebud pout”, and gapped front teeth. Several signature campaigns are marks of premature success like the ones she did for Chanel, Versace, John Galliano, Miu Miu or Alexander McQueen. It has been a while that we did not have an American model so high in the rank of top models. Promising.

Gabriela Machado, 13 years old, Brazil

Gabriela Machado, also called Gaby Machado is only 13 years old and she has already made her mark in people’s mind. The one called “Giselinha“, in Portuguese “little Gisele” is already showing the signs of a true promising top model. So far she has refused to leave Brazil and her family to live abroad and start an international career as a model. Her parents are pretty protective, let’s not forget she is only 13 years old. Gaby thinks it is a true career boost to have physically similitudes with Gisele Bundchen but of course she wishes to have her own thing. You can follow her latest adventures here: http://gabybmachado.blogspot.ch

While Model agencies are like raiders of the lost ark, spotting which new big star might rise, and trying to get her first, we see that there is no room anymore for the 80’s and the 90’s super stars. Models now are models, actresses, photographers, magazine editors and potential there is a higher turnover of trends and styles. Although the 5 models indicated here above have the most promising careers in the next 5 years, is the modeling system ready for a next generation of super-uber-models? Are people willing to see new super stars rising in the modeling landscape? In any case, Gisele Bundchen set a new standard of a more “natural and healthy” approach of beauty aesthetics. Probably there is an interesting path to explore, like a promising legacy transmitted by gods.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/art/inspiration-japan-monet-van-gogh-gauguin-at-kunsthaus-zurich/

Inspiration Japan - Monet, Van Gogh, Gauguin at Kunsthaus Zürich

Until May 25th the prestigious Kunsthaus Zürich holds a very interesting exhibition called “Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh Inspiration Japan”. This exhibition reflects the deep influence of Japanese art and culture into Western painters like Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh as well as Cezanne, Courbet or Degas.

And the world met Japan – 1860

During the second half of the 19th century, Europe and Japan have reopened their trade relations. After the influence of Portuguese and Dutch missionaries and traders during the 16th and the 17th century, Japan decided to close down to foreigners and foreign influence. The Tokugawa family ruled Japan and took the decision to close down all trade relationships. During their reign of 265 years, Japan refocus on their traditions, history and art. It was only by the end of the 19th century, that Europe succeeded to reinstate trade relationships. It was then a true rediscovery of Japan for the World. Trade relationships started again and art pieces and objects started circulating again. Japan became very trendy and influential among the Western Europe artists. They discovered the Ukyio-e prints and got inspired by several Japanese art topics like mountains, animals and flowers. This new and fresh source of inspiration gave a new angle to impressionism, fauvism and pointillism.

Claude Monet, the Japanese dream

One amazing thing we discover during the exhibition is how far Claude Monet went on the Japanese experience. His property at Giverny was completely shaped to fulfill his Japanese dream. From Water Lilies ponds to bridges over the waters, it is the entire painter’s environment that was built up to match a certain vision of Japan aesthetics. This decor generated one of the most amazing masterpieces from Monet, some of them can be observed at the Kunsthaus in Zürich.

Vincent Van Gogh, nature sublime

The Japanese influence on Van Gogh’s work might be more subtle than on Monet artwork but it brought a new dimension on the painter’s work. It definitely helped Vincent Van Gogh to reach an intense level of nature expression. Sunsets became all flames and showed a magical intensity that were completely inspired by Japanese art. The perspective of men and nature, the placement of different elements present in Japanese art, gave a certain structure to Van Gogh’s work making some of its paintings as true masterpieces of the genre.

  Gustave Courbet, a new energy from the sea

Japanese art brought to Western painters a new perspective in terms of how to illustrate certain natural elements. Things like mountains, sunsets and even sea got a new dimension, more intense, deep, in-motion. Gustave Courbet got literally obsessed by the representation of the sea. Before the Japanese influence, the sea was a vast thick mass that would be represented in a very classical way. The Japanese painters gave a different focus. Scenery is more close-up styles and we would rather focus on a single wave rather than a hole sea. Waves get alive and have its own energy captivating the eyes of the person observing the scene. Waves can also express feelings of anger, happiness, strength and even sadness. In the Zürich exhibition we can see a series of Courbet’s artwork completely fulfilling this idea in which the sea becomes the mirror of human soul.

Picasso, naughty boy goes dirty

Another interesting aspect of the Japanese influence in the Western painting is the erotic artwork called Shunga.

While this style of artwork was very common in Japan, enjoyed by both men and women, only a few European painters truly dared to explore it. Pablo Picasso definitely dared to push the erotic Japanese style to the maximum. You can definitely see the influence in the examples presented at the Kunsthaus.

Zürich Kunsthaus Museum Heimplatz 1 CH-8001 Zürich http://www.kunsthaus.ch Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh Japanese inspiration is opened until May 25th 2015. so you still have some days left before the end. It is a very original and interesting exhibition in case you want to better understand the work of Western Europe artists at the end of the 19th century. 

 LA 

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/luxury/victorinox-brand-store-at-3100m-gornergrat-switzerland/

Victorinox Brand store at 3100m - Gornergrat, Switzerland.

Victorinox is a true ambassador for Switzerland. No matter if it is with the little red pocket-knife you carry in your backpack, a pop-up store in the top of Rio de Janeiro’s Sugar Loaf, or in Switzerland itself, Victorinox will always translate the swiss spirit into high qualitative products. This time I could visit one of the highest (in altitude) Victorinox Brand stores: Gornergrat in Switzerland at 3’100m. It is a very strategic spot as many tourists get there in order to see the Matterhorn, the highest mountain in Switzerland and one of the highest in Europe.

To get there, you can take the Gornergratbahn. It is Europe’s highest open-air cog railway that brings passengers direct from Zermatt station (1,620 m) to the summit of the Gornergrat, 365 days a year. The ride takes 33 minutes and requires a vertical climb of 1,469 m. The line leads over dramatic bridges, through galleries and tunnels, across forests of larch and Swiss stone pine, and past rocky ravines and mountain lakes.

To get ready for this weekend, I needed to pack my things and the best companion for travelling is for me Victorinox luggage. The Spectra collection is so far one of the most sophisticated and yet simple to use travel gear I found in the market. I have several and for this specific weekend I used the Spectra™ 2.0 Extra-Capacity U.S Carry-On. We were 2 people and had enough space to carry all our belongings.

 Victorinox Brand Store at Gornergrat

Placed in the perfect location at Gornergrat, the Victorinox brand store is probably the highest brand store in Europe. You can find all product categories made by the Swiss brand in an amazing scenery.

  The store is located at almost 3’100m high and it is one of the highest stores in the world.

  Inside the store, Victorinox aligns perfect design, functionality and quality of materials. Wood, stone and metal sets a modern yet elegant decor that highlights the beauty of all products.

Victorinox is known for the best qualitative products in terms of Pocket tools, Cutlery, Travel Gear, Fragrances and Fashion. If you want to learn more about Victorinox, check the official website: http://www.victorinox.com 

When we get to the top of Switzerland we are happy to find one of the top Swiss Brands waiting for us.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/fashion/jigsaw-fashion-with-a-british-style/

Jigsaw, fashion with a British style.

For the past 40 years, Jigsaw positioned itself as a “Brit-philosophy” for fashion and fashion accessories. Now they revealed the new look book, shot in Morocco by Jigsaw photographer’s team. Here are some of the interesting looks in such an amazing environment.

This is what Francesca, Jigsaw coordinator said about the shoot place:  “Morocco gave us so much as a location from beautiful landscapes to incredible natural light and traditional riad architecture. All 3 days were spent shooting from sunrise to sunset to capture that amazing light and really showcase the clothes in such stunning surroundings…”

This photoshoot is completely aligned with the Jigsaw spirit. The British fashion retailer has shops in the UK, USA and an independent licensee in Australia. The company, truthfully to its Brit origins is based in South West London. It has by the end of May 2013 more than 56 stores accros the UK. The company was started in 1969 by John Robinson and Malcolm Webster. Since then, it is an interesting success story.

Did you get charmed by the new Jigsaw looks?

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/luxury/faberge-an-unique-story-of-craftsmanship-elegance-and-luxury/

Fabergé, an unique story of craftsmanship, elegance and luxury.

There are names that crossed decades and became legends on their fields of art. One of those names is Fabergé. The worldwide luxury house became famous because of the great luxury craftsmanship developed from the first foundation days back in in the 19th century when Gustave Fabergé opens his first store in 1842 in Russia. Since then, it is an amazing passionate story, surrounded by exceptional people and amazing objects.

The story in the History, Fabergé: from France to Russia.

In order to understand the roots of such an amazing luxury house, you need to understand the historical context and what what the path of the Fabergé family. It all started in the 17th century in France. The origins of the Fabergé family is in Picardie – France. The Favri ou Fabri family was part of the protestant community. With a true religion war going on because of the revocation of the Edit de Nantes by Louis XIV, many protestants needed to escape France in order to avoid persecutions. Most of them ended up in Switzerland, Germany or Austria. The Fabri family installed themselves in Germany in the city of Schwedt, which is 100km north from Berlin.

In Germany the family change their name into Fabrier or Fabriger, potentially in order to forget the bad past left in France. An interesting fact was that in the beginning of the 18th century, Russia became a new eldorado for artisans, artists and scientists. Why that? It was all thanks to the aim and the visionary spirit of Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia and first emperor of the Russian Empire in 1721. He decided to change the country. He believed that Russia could shine in the world by opening more its doors to western influence. He decided to welcome all craftsmen, artists, musiciens, scientists, businessmen that wanted to develop great projects. With Catherine II the Great (1762), Religious freedom was installed in the country, and this made several huguenots to move to Russia, searching a rich land to prosper and to live in peace. This historical and sociological context certainly explains why Pierre Fabergé decided to move to Russia in 1800. After acquiring the Russian nationality, in 1814 his son Gustave Fabergé is born. Soon we can see in the young Gustave that he is very accurate with his hands and he interest himself to craftsmanship. His father decides then to send the young Gustave to Saint Petersbourg to start a promising career at the famous jeweler André-Ferdinand Spiegel and soon after at the great luxury house Keibel.

The Fabergé saga, a true success story

At the age of 28, Gustave Fabergé opens a jewelry store at Boshaya Morskaya street, which will be the historical headquarters for the brand.

Gustave Fabergé marries Charlotte Jungstedt and they have a son in 1846, Pierre Cari Fabergé (Cari Gustavovich as the Russian tradition). Gustave and Charlotte did not know that their son would become one of the most fantastic jewelers of all times. Pierre Cari Fabergé learned everything at the family business ateliers. After completing his jewelry know-how at Friedmann in Germany (Frankfurt), he travels to France, Italy and the United Kingdom. In the meantime the Fabergé business become more and more successful and its reputation grows in certain elitist circles around the imperial family. In 1870, Pierre Cari Fabergé returns to Saint Petersburg and at the age of 24 become the head of the Fabergé business.

Pierre Cari Fabergé has a great idea, to create decorative objects, that the precision and the quality of details would exceed all standards of that time. This new idea brought a tremendous success to the Fabergé house and a great reputation started to flow in all the country and beyond.

The Imperial eggs and the legend of Fabergé is born

In the second half of the 19th century, the name Fabergé was associated to quality, beauty and perfection. Russian celebrities would regularly order unique pieces from the luxury house: Prince Youssoupoff, Count Stroganoff, the Nobel brothers or Kelch (the magnat of gold mines). How the Tsar Alexander III had the idea to order a Fabergé egg for his wife? In 1885, Alexander III wanted to offer something unique to her wife, Empress Maria Fedorovna. The idea was to celebrate their 20th anniversary of their engagement. Some experts believe the inspiration for an egg came from a decorative egg that his wife aunt had and had fascinated Emperess Fedorovna since she was a child.

Fabergé decided to create the Jeweled Hen Egg or also called the First Hen Egg. The crafting of the first Imperial egg is attributed to Erik Kollin of Fabergé’s workshop. The egg is made of gold completely coated with opaque white enamel to look like a real egg shell. A thin band of gold where the two halves of the shell are joined is visible around the middle of the egg. It is 64 mm (2 1/2 in.) long and 35 mm (1 3/8 in.) wide. The two halves of the outer shell fit together in a bayonet-style fitting which opens when twisted to reveal the surprise.

  This first egg was the first of a series of 54 eggs made under the supervision of Pierre Cari Fabergé for the Russian family. The tsarina and the tsar enjoyed the egg so much that Alexander III ordered a new egg from Fabergé for his wife every Easter thereafter. The egg is currently located in Russia as part of the Vekselberg Collection, and is housed in the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The Fabergé saga continued until the first World war and the October revolution in 1917. The company was taken by the employees committee K. Fabergé and Pierre Cari Fabergé leaves Russia at the end of 1918. First he goes to Germany and ends up in Switzerland, in Lausanne. He establishes his residence at the Bellevue hotel in Lausanne, 15 minutes away from LuxuryActivist headquarters For decades, the Fabergé eggs entered the house of fame of the most wanted artistic craftsmanship in the world. Some of them became legends.

Today, Fabergé revived and keep the great tradition of quality and beauty.

The heritage of Fabergé survived 2 world wars. Today, the company is owned by Gemfields, the world’s largest producer of ethically-sourced coloured gemstones, and was relaunched in 2007 as the artist jeweller, true to the original house’s ethos and working with the surviving family members: Peter Carl Fabergé great grand-daughters. Fabergé today owns all Fabergé licences. The company proposes several collections of jewelry, timepieces and also decorative pieces and charms.

Fabergé heritage is preserved and kept alive. Currently the luxury house revealed a new egg creation, in the same philosophy than the imperial ones created by Pierre Cari Fabergé 100 years ago.

The Fabergé Pearl Egg is the first egg created in the Imperial class since 1917 where Fabergé name and the Fabergé family have been united. Paying homage to the forthcoming centenary of the last Fabergé imperial eggs ever delivered, Fabergé has crafted an extraordinary one-of-kind egg object in collaboration with the Al-Fardan family, one of the world’s most renowned collectors of pearls.

The object embodies 139 fine, white pearls with a golden lustre, 3’305 diamonds, carved rock crystal and mother-of-pearl set on white and yellow gold. Each pearl adorning the Fabergé Pearl Egg was hand-selected by Hussain Ibrahim Al-Fardan from his private collection. An ingenious mechanism enables the entire outer shell to rotate on its base, simultaneously opening in six sections to unveil its treasure.

As you can see, Fabergé brings back all the ingenuity of the 19th century imperial eggs. True to its original spirit of artistry and innovation, Fabergé continues to create the treasures of tomorrow, precious hand-crafted jewels set with exceptional gemstones to pass from generation to generation.

You can discover more about Fabergé by visiting the company website: http://www.faberge.com.

When legendary know-how expresses the best, the beautiful and the exceptional, only amazing things can follow.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/design/vittel-couch-converter-move/

Vittel Couch Converter, move!

According to Sportsobs.com, there is 26% of the Swiss population that never do any sport. While the sports activities are booming in the country with more than 40% of the country population who do several times a week a sportive activity, there are still 1/4th of the population who would need a  kick in the back of the pants and be more active. Vittel, the mineral water brand, decided to act in a more outstanding and friendly way.

Vittel, active water since 1854

Vittel is a French water brand founded by Louis Bouloumié. In 1854, Mr. Bouloumier buys the Géremoy source and a 80 acres meadow in Vittel in the Vosges – France. Nothing would let you imagine how big this family business would be in the future. After 4 generations of Bouloumier, Nestlé buys Vittel in 1992 and spread its wings to the world. Today, Vittel is present in more than 100 countries. In some key figures:

1’800 bottles of Vittel water are sold every minute in the world

15 production lines manufacture 35’000 bottles every hour

900 million bottles of Vittel water are sold every year (all formats)

90% of these bottles are sold in Europe, mainly in France, Germany, Belgium, UK and Switzerland

Vittel is official sponsor of cycling Tour de France since 2008

Through an underground course of several years, Vittel water is charged with essential minerals, key to the body. To maintain the original purity of its source, VITTEL created the program AGRIVAIR® more than 20 years ago, an alternative and sustainable agricultural model, lying on an area of over 10,000 hectares around its source.

For several years, Vittel became a natural reference for sports, active life and dynamic people. The story of the brand and the key values reflect this active attitude. So it is normal that today Vittel supports an improvement of your active live by presenting this new campaign called couch converter.

Vittel Couch Converter, get your old couch a new active life (yours actually).

How long the Swiss spend on their couch? Certainly too much time. Fortunately for their health, Vittel tackles the problem by launching in Switzerland the exclusive Couch Converter service: an exclusive service that transforms your old couch in a single pair of sneakers signed by Bagua. Basically Vittel supports the fight against everyday laziness.

In a  very talented and original way, Vittel encourages you to get rid of your old sofa and to regain control of you life. The website was launched  on March 30th on http://ww.vittelcouchconverter.com. It is a customized service that will be limited to the first 2o registered people . These happy few will be offered with an exclusive pair of sneakers produced by Bagua with a piece of their old sofa fabric. So you better be fast. There will be another chance from May 4th in Switzerland with 300 extra pairs produced. They can be chosen from 5 exclusive Bagua models inspired by old sofas. After creating their account on the site, participants will know immediately if they have won or not their sneakers. It is possible for them to retry their luck every day.

This operation is only possible thanks to an amazing partnership with a very interesting shoe brand called Bagua. Created by three friends in 2009, Bagua is a young French brand of urban and lifestyle shoes. In partnership with Vittel on the project “Vittel Couch Converter” they design using the designer Erik Arlen (former designer at Nike in Portland) and produce custom sneaker pairs and promotional models for the operation.

With the nice weather being back for good and Spring generating a new energy, you need to stop sitting on your couch and get a more active life. So thanks to Vittel, you can start moving your body with style. No excuses to lay-back on your sofa. Get a (active) life !

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/blog/friday-chronicle-14-the-right-here-right-now-society/

Friday chronicle #14: the "right-here-right-now" society.

Six thousand. This is the number of tweets sent every second in the world. It represents around 200 billion tweets in one year. Twitter was a complete game changer in the way people could communicate. It supports the “right-here-right-now” expectations from people. We went from a paper letter, to a fax, to an email, to a SMS and to a tweet. According to the British Oxford dictionnary, there are 171’476 words currently in use. A tweet is 140 characters. So no time and “space” to develop. We go directly to the point. No time for chapters, give us directly the conclusions.

Ultra-access means ultra-needs

With the increase of internet and technologies, everything becomes easy to find and easy to use. This ultra-access to information transforms the way we address our requests and the speed we expect satisfaction. Why should I wait for an answer if I can get it right now. Remember booking holidays 10 years ago? It would have taken 2 month to book your summer holidays in the pre-internet era. First you would need to go to several travel agencies (when they would be open), check several paper catalogs, potentially write a letter to hotels in order to make a reservation, or making a phone call in local language in order to have things booked. Today, it can take you 15mn from your mobile phone to have the same thing done. And because you can do it, you would never give your money to a travel agency that would work differently. Why should you send a tweet rather than an email? Well, because you expect the person to answer you immediately. According to NM Incite, 71% of customers are more likely to recommend a brand if this brand is doing a great work in terms of customer support on social media. Some brands are embracing this very well. It is the case of Zappos shoes and Nike. Zappos has implemented a 24/7 customer support on Twitter. They will immediately give you an answer to your question, no matter what time of the day or night it is. Nike will do pretty much the same and they will add the Nike attitude on top. The service industry is today at stress. Speed became a key part of the customer equation and you better be ready otherwise you will be completely lost.

Sharing information: speed upon quality.

When brands talk to bloggers, potentially what they will communicate to these clever people can be online in seconds, minutes, hours… From a picture in instagram shared over millions of followers or a blog post generating thousands of hundreds of visits within the following hour, speed is changing the way people access to information. What happens when the traditional press will talk about that new product or service presented to them one to 2 month ago? Well it is not fresh news anymore. And how individuals interact with each other is also something interesting. Mobile phones are less and less used for phone calls. They are too smart for that now. People use their smartphones for text messaging like with the WhatsApp mobile app. Free texting everywhere. There are overall 34 billion whatsApp messages sent everyday. In 2014, the busiest day for WhatsApp registered over 64 billion messages. The speed to access the information is more important than the quality or even the follow up. Speed against quality. No wonder why we all get HD tv sets but still prefer to watch illegally a movie in bad streaming rather than wait for the blueray dvd. Speed against quality.

Human relationships, the “quick and dirty” rules.

Currently, everybody is talking about Tinder, the ultimate dating-meeting killer app. Remember the speed-dating evenings in bars? Forget about it. Everything is happening online. From Chat-roulette, to snapchat, Tinder and many others, human relationships became as disposable as a kleenex. Connexions are made as fast as they disappear. Every day there are 140 new social networks created in the world and as many which vanish in the sand of times. Everything goes fast. With Snapchat, you can send a message to someone that will last for 2 seconds. You better read fast. We create so much content every second that an average human being would not have the time to see it in his entire life time. The world became a short term thinker rather than a long-term visionary.

We seek a Like button in real life

From a sociological point of view, our online new behaviors are inducing a change in real life. Did you ever realize how hard is today to stay 100% focus while watching a 90mn movie? Hard. This is one of the consequences of being online addicted. A study ran in South Korea, where internet penetration is one of the highest in the world, showed that one third of the people participating in the study have shown signs of Internet addiction. It is a real modern problem as the consequences can be devastating.

Loss of consciousness of time

Lack of focus after 20mn

Stress and frustration levels quite high, insomnia

Since the democratization of internet, online gaming and social media, we say that 10% of overall internet population is addicted to the web. This addiction makes these ultra-connected people to adopt in real life some of the behaviors they have online. It is like seeking a like button in real life. They will look for people’s approval of their actions and would spend their time saying to themselves “what a great instagram picture this moment could be”. Did you ever tried to spend one evening out without looking at least once to your smartphone? If you cannot do that, it means you show signs of addiction.

Luxury brands, how to react? Well you have less than 3 seconds.

Internet became a powerful tool to communicate brand universes to customers. It is a convenient and easy way to invite them to a deep dive in the brand experience. Again, there are rules to respect. 75% of internet users would drop a website if this one takes more than 3 seconds to download. 85% of online payments abort if any buffering would happen during the process. In China, brands are using Weibo to answer to any question that a customer would have. Why translating the website in Chinese then? In South Korea, the main search engine is Naver. With Naver you can reach millions of people in 10mn. This is more than TV or print together. The power of delivering a message online brings the limits of formats, text-copy and creative weight. When Felix Baumgartner jumped from a ballon at 127’851ft during the RedBull Stratos mission, the news took less than 23mn to spread worldwide within the civilized world. The same type of news would take approximately 5 years to spread in the 19th century and potentially people would believe it is a rumor. Companies need to adapt to this ultra-demanding online audience that will need flexibility, personalization and dedication. The brands that will adapt and align their customer service teams to this new way of relationship will win the battle of customer’s heart.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/luxury/baselworld-2015-jewelry-highlights/

Baselworld 2015 - Jewelry highlights

Baselworld is one of the biggest events in watch-making and Jewelry. For several jewelry brands it is a special moment that will allow them to present their best pieces and all the amazing know-how they have.There are major jewelers like Harris Winston, Chanel, Dior or Swarovski but also more confidential brands and that is the interest of it. Here is a review on 3 of them that are doing an original and amazing job. You probably did not hear about them yet.

Carla Amorim, Brazilian spirit from mother nature to a a modern world

Carla Amorim is Brazilian and there is one interesting aspect of being from Brazil in jewelry: the fact that nature is an amazing inspiration and that there are many precious stones and metals coming from that country. It is an interesting combination for a jeweler.

   How to describe Carla Amorim’s style? You need to understand the artist behind the brand. She was born in Brasilia, the country’s capital. This city, located in the middle of wild nature, became an architectural challenge and accomplishment of one of the greatest minds of modern times: Oscar Niemeyer. When you grow in a city like Brasilia, you get influenced by the surroundings. What did Carla Amorim keep from Niemeyer? The love of pure lines, the constant play between volume and lightness, and the obsession for perfection. Nature is definitely a great source of inspiration as well as her spirituality. This Brazilian philosophy will create a very original style that has been chosen by several people, celebrities or less famous, around the world. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, tourmalines, tanzanites, Brazilian gemstones, pearls, and 18 K gold in various tones are all explored to achieve the desired effect. You can check the brand website here for more updates and information about the amazing universe of Carla Amorim: http://www.carlaamorim.com.br

Ommage Jewelry, a curator of the world’s finest assets

One important aspect of wrist watches is the bracelet. Without it, you cannot place the watch on your wrist. Generally in metal, rubber, fabrics or leather, it has a pure functional role and despite of its high technicality, it must embrace one’s anatomy. Some bracelets are dressed with precious metals and jewels, others are now even connected to a smartphone. Once you wear a watch, specially if you are a man, it becomes hard to wear something else at the same time. With Ommage Jewelry, you will see a game changer. Their mission is simple yet complex: to curate the world’s finest assets in watchmaking and bring it to a beautiful and amazing precious bracelet.

Ommage is founded in an obsession with timepieces. From evolving mechanics, efficiency and precision, to trendsetting style and fashion, a watch embodies past, present and future. It carries with it a history and projects a future. There is permanence to timekeeping, an infinity, and it weave itself into our day to day.

Ommage delivers a unique, trend-setting line of bracelets that pay homage to the world’s most revered watchmakers and their creations. It is all Swiss-made, near by Zürich. The concept is probably one of the most original around a watch. By sharing with Ommage Jewelry your favorite watch, they will create a bracelet that will summarize the quintessence of your timepiece. From the same metal used, to specific design details, you will find here the perfect companion for your watch. It is elegant, timeless and with a lot of allure. Check the brand website and get a quotation for a personalized bracelet. http://www.ommage.com

Christopher Grayson, smart jewels for smart people

This year, experts expect a +1.9% increase of sales in watchmaking thanks to smart watches. Since Apple launched the Apple watch, it represented an accelerator of this segment and connected devices are now an amazing growth opportunity. You just need to find the right idea with the right technology. This is the case of Christopher Grayson and what the brand calls “Smart Jewel”.

   The idea is to make technology invisible yet integrated in a clever way that will be useful to anyone. With Smart Jewel, Christopher Grayson brings the best of jewel-making and cutting edge technology. By integrating a display screen into a collection of jewels, we rediscover the pleasure of accessorize our look and to re-wear jewelry in a daily base. Smart Jewel will alert you with text messages. You will never miss a notification.

Phone call alerts

SMS messages

Social Media notifications as Facebook, Twitter…

Calendar appointments

Thanks to Smart Jewel you do not need to retrieve your smartphone from your purse, you can immediately be informed and keep the contact with your colleagues, friends and family. Here are some of the apps that Smart Jewel supports, but there are many more. This is just a small collection.

Phone calls alert

Mail apps

Facebook

LinkedIn

Twitter

WhatsApp

Uber

CNN news

Skype

Christopher Grayson has found a very clever idea that has several possible developments and applications. The connected wearables market is already a reality and still everything is ahead. Check the brand website for more details: http://christophergrayson.com

Baselworld is an amazing luxury appointment with the world. Jewelry brands will present their best of the best in terms of design, technology and poetry. Diamonds are a woman’s best friend but there are other “Precious stones” to discover.

LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/art/victor-vasarely-art-exhibition-in-lausanne-first-time-ever-at-artshop-gallery/

Victor Vasarely, art exhibition in Lausanne. First time ever at Artshop gallery.

Switzerland gathers an amazing passion for art. Some people like Virginie Bridy will share her passion by creating spaces, galleries, to show art to the public. That is how Art Shop Lausanne is born. This month you will be able to discover an amazing artist, father of many art trends: Victor Vasarely. First time in French speaking Swizerland.

ArtShop, bringing art to the public

Opened a few month ago, ArtShop is a beautiful place in the center of Lausanne. Virginie Bridy is an artist and a creator. She opened ArtShop as a friendly place where people can discover amazing artists, most of them for the first time in Switzerland. Ms Bridy explained the concept of ArtShop. It is a place where you can find regularly new installations in a very modular space, that can be adapted depending on the nature of the artist and the displayed artwork. She is completely passionate about arts and she dares to make choices that potentially many people would not dare. Here is a quote she told me from Jean Cocteau that illustrates a lot the flame of passion that animates her.

Le tout dans l’audace, c’est de savoir jusqu’où on peut aller trop loin.

The aim is to create a friendly place where you can discover art, buy art and even get a tasty coffee. Simplicity and attachment to details reigns at ArtShop. Artists will feel at easy to exhibit their precious artworks and the public, art aficionados or just passing by chance in front of the gallery will feel invited to enter. Is this not the first mission of the artist? To invite people to discover an universe that can be unique and original as well as the reflexion of people’s universe seen through the lens of the creator? Yes it is. ArtShop in Lausanne is more than a gallery, it is the expression of the defining philosophy behind arts.

Behind ArtShop, there is the ArtShop Artist Team. Several themes and artwork will be provided by them and between two installations. You can find here below the incoming agenda of the gallery. It is a very dynamic rhythm of installations with amazing artists. Names like Daniel Gastaud and Birdy Kids will be available during certain moments until this summer. You can click on the image below to amplify it.

Currently you will be able to discover a vintage visual art exhibition on the name of Victor Vasarely. One opportunity in a kink to discover or rediscover some of the artist master pieces, made available thanks to the generosity of Editions du Griffon.

Victor Vasarely, an artist who truly modernized art.

In Art, there are names that will immediately connect you with specific universes. The name of Victor Vasareli is one of them. He was at the beginning of the 20th century the artist who brought cubism and neo-impressionism to a level further: optical art. Most of his artwork is worldwide known. There are some paintings that you already saw once, either in a movie, an advertising, an art exhibition or even in fashion.

Victor Vasarely was born in Hungary and moved to Paris in the 30’s. The following 20 years, Vasarely will explore several techniques, from Cubism, neo-impressionism, futuristic and expressionistic. All these explorations will lead him to establish his own style. It will be the foundation of optic art and kinetic art. Year after year, Vasarely will develop his art and his style and be at the start of a modern philosophy of art. He will break all rules and will redefine the role of being an artist.

   One interesting aspect of his work was that you could order an artwork from him and choose the size of it. This was truly a scandal for an artist that would produce almost industrially speaking his work. Vasarely had a real modern vision of his status and work. If you want to enjoy the privilege to see by yourself part of this amazing work, you definitely need to visit ArtShop until end of March.

ArtShop Lausanne Rue du Flon 8 1003 Lausanne

 http://www.the-art-shop.ch 

 When art and passion meet, only great things can come from it. ArtShop is definitely a place that counts in Lausanne. LA

New Post has been published on http://luxuryactivist.com/blog/luxuryactivist-new-website-released-for-baselworld/

LuxuryActivist new website - released for Baselworld.

Based in Switzerland, LuxuryActivist is one of the rarest 100% online magazine talking about Luxury and lifestyle without any constraint. 5 years after its launch, this true webzine dressed up with a new website, in order to celebrate its annual partnership with Baselworld (the watch and Jewelry fair).

LuxuryActivist.com, the founding idea

Founded by José Amorim, luxury and digital expert, his aim was to create a digital space in which the quality and the independance of the editorial work would be key. Since 2010, LuxuryActivist proposes qualitative articles about several topics, from general Luxury, to Fashion, Beauty, Arts, Design, Music or premium hightech. Each article will provide deep analysis on a certain topic or product launch. With clear insights, this webzine based in Switzerland will keep you updated on luxury news from the Swiss as well as from the international scene.

LuxuryActivist.com, the Activist spirit

The strong idea behind the webzine is to provide s clear, expert look into luxury. From Brands to new products, LuxuryActivist will cover independently from any brand or advertising program, luxury topics with a clear insight.

 “The aim of the webzine is that once you read an article, you will have the feeling to have learned something on that day”

Jose Amorim, Chief Editor

Official

Member of Syndicom, and of the Electronic Swiss Press, the mission is to defend a qualitative and dedicated online press to improve the digital press landscape.

A webzine shaped in the spirit of its time

The new layout was developed in the spirit of new technologies. The entire website is built on responsive design technology. This means that texts, images and the website structure will adapt to the screen of the user, no matter if it is a desktop PC, a tablet or a smartphone. Today, the world is mobile. With almost 50% of the total traffic coming from mobile devices, LuxuryActivist keeps people updated on luxury news, no matter where they are.

Happy Friday newsletter, the concept

No time to read the news during the week? Going on weekend and want something clever to read in the train? This is the happy friday newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter and you will get every Friday afternoon the articles of the week. You will never miss a single drop of news thanks to the newsletter. you can already read a short summary of each article in the newsletter and click in the article to get the full version.

LuxuryActivist, the blog

Friday is also the day for the activist to express himself on a series called Friday Chronicles. Collected under a new blog section in the webzine, readers will be able to read sharp articles about different topics. In general, the author’s pen get to do the dirty work and tell his true opinion about certain topics, from brands communication to online advertising or even the raw reality of certain industries.

Several luxury brands trust the activist