Whether you are a regular person, fortunate enough to have a good job, or a major philanthropist pondering how to make a difference in the lives of many, try to spare a private thought for those whose existence has been blighted – nay, threatened – by the maelstrom the collective economy of the West has been plunged into.

Try and remember that we are all capable of at least one truly selfless act in a lifetime and that such an act can redeem us in our own eyes, in the eyes of all those who share our lives and, if you have faith, in the eyes of God too.

Forget about the political sniping, the passing of the proverbial buck, the blame game which may be good for making quick “capital” of one’s economic or political opponents… Focus instead on how you personally can help alleviate the woes of large segments of people stricken by the most brutal recession in living memory.

Obvious, raw and absolute poverty is often taken care of by the state – at least in a capitalist democracy – often inadequately, but in a basic, institutionalized way.

It is the hidden poverty that we worry about – the poverty many bear as a shameful cross, trying to keep a brave face on their reduced circumstances and soldier on in the hope of a brighter future.

Spare a thought for the new poor – those who are educated but can’t find a job; those for whom rising inflation equals poor nutrition; those who can’t afford new clothes or shoes for their children and have defaulted to the charity shops in droves; those who have to make a daily choice between using public transport and walking; those who get hopelessly indebted to implacable, profit-making utility companies, just because they choose to keep their homes warm in the winter; those who default to soup kitchens at the end of each month just so they can pay the rent….

The old adage of ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for life’ still holds true to some extent but today, we also need to sell ‘the fish’, so that we can do a little better than subsisting.

The opportunities to help others without humiliating them with a handout are countless.

Investing in another person’s work, talent, skills, acquired intelligence, may pay dividends you’ve never dreamed of. Or it may just help them preserve their dignity and hope – as well as put bread on their table.

Compassion, of course, has its own less tangible dividends – it is what makes us human.

For goodness’ sake, be compassionate!

BBPublications supports LCF (the Linveco Cultural Foundation, UK registered charity number 1145683).

About LCF

In its small way, the Linveco Cultural Foundation is hoping to help creative people – in the areas of art & design, literature, film and photography – to market and sell their work.

We hold exhibitions and multi-disciplinary creative events to promote and help sell the work of our creative members.

If you are a creative individual finding it hard to sell your work, join our network. We will offer advice and practical help through workshops and seminars.

If you are interested in seeing the incredible emerging talent we encounter every day and sponsoring a young creative or buying their work – or if you are a corporate sponsor interested in the arts – join us as a supporting member or a patron.

TIANBING Installation Copyright Stephen White. Courtesy Stephen Friedman Gallery

The Stephen Friedman Gallery hosted a private view of its Li Tianbing exhibition, currently on show at 25-28 Old Burlington Street, London, W1S 3AN.

Li Tianbing is, of course, known to B Beyond readers, having been profiled with an interview and selected works as part of our Shanghai feature in 2011.

At the time, the artist had an exhibition at Pearl Lam’s Shanghai Gallery, followed by a dinner at the art patron’s home in honour of major collector Dakis Joannou.

The artist gave us a mini-tour, explaining, as he had done the year before in Shanghai, some of the allegorical elements in the works, such as the imaginary dog in “Don’t touch my dog” and the bullet holes in the eponymously titled, broken fairy tale work “Bullet Holes”.

"Don't Touch my Dog" Copyright the artist. Courtesy of the artist, Pearl Lam Gallery and Stephen Friedman Gallery

These are large, statement pieces with strong nostalgic elements that reprise the theme of social and political issues in contemporary China.

TIANBING "Recruitment" Copyright the artist. Courtesy of the artist, Pearl Lam Gallery and Stephen Friedman Gallery

The works would command a single wall in the home of the established Chinese contemporary art collector or make a statement in a new collection.

TIANBING "Return with Fruitful Results" Courtesy of the artist, Pearl Lam Gallery and Stephen Friedman Gallery

The private view was followed by a dinner at Stephen Friedman’s second gallery across the street, attended by the good and great of the art world this side of the Atlantic.

N.B. The Li Tianbing catalogue is beautifully produced and eminently collectible.

The Balcon at 8 Pall Mall, London, UK

B Beyond had a memorable lunch there with photographer extraordinaire, Mick Hutson, who staged a brief photoshoot of wine guru extraordinaire, Tom Harrow, sitting strategically at the Champagne bar.

In a city that boasts a vast number of outstanding restaurants, having a memorable meal is no mean feat.
To start with, there is the originality of the menu – the way it is arranged in categories of slow cooked dishes on one side and grilled/roasted ones on the other, rather than being traditionally split into meat and fish.

The deliberation over starters ended swiftly when we offered a degustation platter of various air dried meats, accompanied by home-made chutney and some unusual pickles.
Mick had The Balcon version of a cottage pie to follow and I, stuffed saddle of rabbit.
The cottage pie was rich and comforting, while my rabbit was cooked to perfection, with a delicious foie gras stuffing that has to be the most satisfying winter fare. For our main course, we’d switched from Champagne to red wine. The wine, a 2009 Syrah, had a lot of fruit to it as befits a relatively young vintage, and was good enough to persuade me to finish off with a cheese platter, while Mick rounded off with rice pudding.
Mick and I retired to the oh, so cosy bar behind the restaurant for coffee and more and more Champagne until late that evening.

It is an uncommonly inviting establishment, being part of a hotel (Sofitel, to be precise, and a jolly well done too as the group is not traditionally associated with grandeur), with the deep sofas, opulent but not stuffy interior design, beyond excellent service and above all, great atmosphere.
An affluent, well dressed art/business crowd frequents the place – you can tell many are regulars because they fit in well and give it that glow of an established meeting spot.

Top Tip: Reader, try the bread, even if you are on a protein only diet! I could see myself retiring to The Balcon for a bottle of red wine and a basketful of olive buns every time I visit the Christie’s auction rooms round the corner.

T Boone Pickens

The full text of our exclusive interview with T Boone Pickens appears in the Spring 2012 edition of B Beyond magazine, along with pictures taken at the Pickens’ Mesa Vista ranch.

BB. The Pickens Plan makes two overwhelming arguments – one is global and has to do with sustainable energy; the other is US-specific and makes the case for liberating the country from OPEC oil-dependency, among other things. Why then, in your opinion, has the Pickens Plan been facing resistance from legislators?

TB. I do in fact have a lot of support for it but it’s generally very hard to get something to the Senate floor and get it voted in. The plan is not complicated and we have an extensive paper on it. Now that the Natural Gas Act has been introduced, this will hopefully set the country in the right direction of making better use of its own energy resources. I do believe that if the Act doesn’t pass through Senate this year (2011), it will pass next year.

BB Have you been promoting the plan for a good long time now?

TB. I started it in July of ’08.

BB We think the plan ought to have been adopted sooner

TB. It should have – but things in Washington happen very slowly.

BB. As indeed everywhere else, yes. Are there any other practical barriers, never mind legislative barriers, to implementing the Pickens Plan, such as the expense of converting the grid or converting vehicles from using oil to natural gas consumption?

TB. The Natural Gas Act didn’t have anything to do with the grid – it referred to using natural gas for heavy duty trucks.

Below is a model for what you could save on transportation fuel.
70% of all the oil produced in the world every day goes for transportation fuel and if you want to reduce the imports of OPEC oil, you have to start with transportation. I have focused on that because natural gas is so cheap. Unfortunately, with natural gas prices so low, it has made wind energy uneconomical. But if you look at the cost of each one of the fuels on a megawatt hour, the most expensive is solar at $200 megawatt hour while biomass is $140, nuclear is $125, geothermal is $99, wind is $80, coal is $73 and natural gas is $62. Natural gas is therefore the most economical energy source, so long as you have a lot of it and the price remains constant. If and when natural gas prices go up to $6, then you can get serious about wind energy projects.
The Pickens Plan demonstrates that we can cut OPEC oil imports by half over 5 years. You don’t need a special government department to implement or administer it, which makes it an even more attractive proposition.

BB. But would the vehicles have to be converted from oil to natural gas consumption?

TB. What you do is, as you buy new vehicles you just replace them with the natural gas engine.

BB Would that be very costly?

TB The consumer will get a tax credit of around $20,000 to $30,000 and that tax credit will be covered by a user tax on the fuel. Once you get to that point, the price of a natural gas engine will go down and become very competitive with diesel. Let me give you an example with trash trucks in the United States. Half the trash trucks next year will be on natural gas – while incremental difference between diesel and natural gas trash trucks was about $50,000 five years ago, it’s now $10,000.

BB. You certainly know your figures.

TB. Well, I have been at it for so long. I have been in the business since I got out of school in 1951, so 60 years now.

BB The energy crisis is not just US specific – the entire world faces some kind of an energy crisis.

TB Energy is confusing to most people and in America in particular people do not understand the energy available to us. I am sitting here today looking at the screen: natural gas is selling for $3.59 while the Mid-East price is between $16 and $18, because it’s indexed to oil, and in London it’s $13. So here we are, we have the cheapest energy in the world in this country which is incredible. We have more natural gas than any other country in the world – more than Russia or Iran, but the missing link in America is leadership. The leadership does not understand energy and how we can move industry back in here and create more jobs. We can clearly show them that if they pass this bill you can create jobs for $10,000 a piece which is unheard of but, you know, they don’t pay attention to it. They hear what you say but they don’t listen.

BB. Why do you think that is, I mean is it just the present government or politicians in general?

TB Well, we couldn’t get the Bush government to do anything either. The chemical industry is against the energy plan because they want very cheap natural gas, which gives them huge profit margins. They are making more money than they have ever made in history and they have done it off of cheap natural gas. But you also have major oil companies that are against the energy plan. For instance 80% of Exxon’s revenues come from foreign oil. They import a lot of OPEC oil and refine it and sell it of course for gasoline and diesel in this country. So we are up against many vested interests which work hard for their shareholders – that’s the capitalistic system.
But I’m working hard for America. My goal is to get an energy plan for America. We are the only country in the world that has no energy plan yet we use 20 million barrels of oil a day. The world produces 90 million barrels of oil a day and the closest consumer to us is China – the Chinese use 10 million barrels a day. So they use half what we do, but they do have an energy plan: the Wall Street Journal said six months ago that the United States has not bought Boone Pickens’ energy plan but the Chinese have.

Wine investment has become one of the most significant alternative markets and now millions are spent annually securing allocations of the most rare and rated Chateaux. Bordeaux dominates the Fine Wine market (85% of top London merchant Berry Bros & Rudd’s £250million turnover in 2011), its longevity in good vintages, the quantities available and its unrivalled Blue Chip status ensuring its no. 1 position for investors. Brokers turn up to boardrooms with the same old chart in their presentation to potential clients – showing, over a 10 year period, the FTSE looking forlorn, Gold steady but not spectacular, and the price of Bordeaux rocketing skyward like a Champagne cork. A closer look at the indices should indicate this refers specifically to the ’82 vintage with 1990 being used as a slightly less dramatic second example. Interestingly the vintages ’81, ’84, ’87 and ’91 – uniformly poor years are never used as would paint a very different picture.

Although traditionally the preserve of a cadre of European and American connoisseurs, increasing interest from Eastern collectors over the last decade has meant that the Asian market is now the most significant for Bordeaux. A less solid bet for investors (given its relative fragility and more esoteric nature) and thus traditionally the preserve of specialist collectors only, Burgundy is now catching the eye of the Orient. As Bordeaux previously, this interest will cause a rise in prices, even more marked because of the considerably smaller quantities of top wines produced from the premium domaines. This may usher in a more widespread change to the landscape of wines in the East as the softer tannins of Pinot Noir are a much more sensible match to a number of South East Asian cuisines. Indeed – a Chinese client of mine always has Domaine Romanee Conti La Tache with Peking Duck on his birthday, claiming it is the perfect food and wine pairing. The Rhone may well be next (the esteem in which the iconic wines from Chapoutier, Chave and Guigal are held by pre-eminent critic Robert Parker, giving them ready appeal) and already some are turning to Italy – to the wines of Barolo, Montalcino and Bolgheri.

The conclusion therefore is that being able to afford these exclusive top wines will soon no longer be enough to ensure an allocation. The ever- increasing interest of the global elite in wine, whether for investment, prestige, entertaining, genuine passion or a combination of all factors, means the always limited availability of these finite commodities is a bigger impediment to ownership than price. Opportunities to put together a cellar of the world’s greatest wines are diminishing so to give B Beyond readers a head start, below are the must have wines of the last century. I have concentrated unapologetically on the great reds of France and used as a guide the ratings of the influential Wine Advocate and Fine Wine to help compile them (all scored 98+ out of 100). I have largely excluded boutique wineries from California and Australia because, however impressive they may be, at a dinner party, it’s unlikely more than one other person will have heard of them and part of the pleasure in drinking and sharing fine wine is ensuring everyone appreciates the privilege of doing so.

This first selection picks the best wines from 1811-1989 and only includes those that have still been pleasurable to tasters within the last five years. Wines become increasingly fragile with age and there are never guarantees that all will be in condition still, hence the adage – with old wines there is no such thing as a good vintage, just good bottles. In the next edition I will cover the vintages of the 90’s and also suggest some smaller producers worth considering and in the last B Beyond of 2012 the top wines from the previous decade will be listed. However for those who cannot wait so long – WineChap’s Premier Crew, our invitation only private wine concierge service, may be able to provide further information and assistance.

Tom Harrow

Full article and wines selection published in the Spring 2012 edition of B Beyond magazine.

David Rosier

The S&P 500 index ended 2011 relatively unchanged despite a year of high volatility driven by the European Sovereign Debt Crisis and the pertinent risk of double dip recession. During the year, the markets witnessed the major impacts of the Arab Spring, Japanese earthquake, downgrade of the US credit rating and the risk of a Eurozone country defaulting on its debt obligations – none of which were ‘predicted’ by Wall Street analysts in the beginning of the year.

The future is a lot harder to predict than Wall Street would have us believe in. As Nassim Taleb remarked, “To prophesize, don’t add anything to the future; just figure out and eliminate what will not survive.” This Popperian view that all investment hypotheses are provisionally accepted until proven wrong may not seem comforting to investors. Nonetheless, it has not stopped the influx of money flowing into hedge funds.

Hedge funds on average lost 4.83% in 2011 despite amassing a record $2.04 trillion in total capital under management in the first quarter of 2011. The industry – which caters to wealthy and institutional investors chasing higher returns for bigger fees – appears to be licking its wounds as fund managers finished the year in the red. The hedge fund industry which prides itself on outperforming the market has failed to live up to expectations and delivered one of their worst annual performances last year. As 2012 – the year of the black Dragon according to Chinese Zodiac – rolls on, can the industry reverse its fortunes?

B Beyond caught up with David Rosier CEO and co-founder of Thurleigh Investment Managers.

David Rosier and Charles MacKinnon, founders of Thurleigh Investment Managers, are a rare breed of investment managers who have skin in the game. David and Charles stress the importance of ‘eating your own cooking’ and have their own personal wealth invested alongside their clients’.

BB In your view, what is driving the current market conditions?

DR At the moment, there is greed and there is fear. There is greed because you are leaving your money on deposit and earning next to nothing and there is fear because the markets have become so volatile. It is a ‘risk on risk off’ mentality. The flight to safety or what investors perceive as safe investments has been driving this ’bubble’ in the gilt-edge securities. I mean, it’s mad to buy 10-year gilts yielding less than 3% when inflation is 5%.

BB Has this affected your strategy?

DR The way we implement our strategy hasn’t changed. We have always focused on asset allocation and academic research has shown that 90% of portfolio returns can be attributed to asset allocation rather than stock selection. We have always invested in a mixture of index funds, ETF and absolute return funds. We believe that by active asset allocation it is possible to capture short-term cyclical opportunities to enhance the returns without increasing risk. I’d say the main change is we no longer invest in hedge funds with the exception of a few CTAs (Commodities Trading Advisors). People got very frightened in 2008.

BB Why do you no longer invest in hedge funds?

DR We no longer invest in hedge funds for two reasons: liquidity and control. Firstly, our clients wanted liquidity. After the credit crunch, our clients would ring us up and ask ‘how soon could we liquidate our portfolio’, not necessarily doing it, but just the comfort to know they could turn it into cash. Secondly, when you invest in hedge funds, you lose the element of control. In early 2007, we put orders on to sell the hedge funds, but when we wanted the cash to invest – when markets had fallen – we couldn’t get the cash. It’s not that we don’t think there are some good hedge fund managers out there. The structure or the lack of liquidity is something that neither our clients nor we can take. Also, the UCITS III funds can essentially do what hedge funds do with slightly more onerous restrictions. With a UCITS III fund, you can get similar investment policies with the added benefit of daily dealings.

BB Can you tell us about your investment strategy and has that changed recently?

DR We have four core strategies based on volatility. The very low risk strategy has a maximum volatility of 4%, the low risk is 6%, medium is 8% and the high risk is 12%. Our strategies have not changed as we actively manage them to the desired risk levels. We are constantly checking our proprietary risk models to ensure our strategies run to a certain volatility level.

BB Any thoughts on the European Debt Crisis?

DR As central banks continue to debauch their currencies, government bond yields do not offer a smart risk-reward profile. We think there is a distinct possibility the Eurozone area would fragment with either departures or some form of dual currency emerging (convertible euros and non-convertible euros) to enable the most indebted nations to reflate their economies. It is unlikely for the Eurozone to survive in its current form. Regardless of the outcome, there will be a wealth of investment opportunities that will arise out of the ashes of the Euro project.

BB Any insights on investing in 2012?

DR We think that the large growth economies of China, Brazil, South Korea and Taiwan will continue to grow, and their currencies and bond markets will continue to deepen and strengthen. Within the equity and the bond portfolios, we will continue to move them towards a higher yield profile. We currently have 20 per cent of our bond portfolios exposed to high yield, and we anticipate growing this significantly at the expense of the strategic bond positions. Within equity portfolios, we anticipate altering the weighting of the indices and funds we use to increase the dividend yield significantly with a continued focus on global multinationals.

For more information on
David Rosier or Thurleigh please check out:
www.thurleigh.com

Mamaison Hotels & Apartments offer luxury boutique hotels and private residences in major cities throughout central and eastern Europe. Whether clients are looking for somewhere to stay for just a single night or a home for the next year, Mamaison have the solution. From luxury hotels, fully furnished studios and three bedroom apartments, they provide the perfect environment for either work or pleasure.

Unparalleled service from personal and professional staff combined with world-class amenities mean that their guests will never need to compromise when traveling away from home. The breadth and quality of accommodation makes Mamaison the ideal choice for individuals, families or business travelers.

With a diverse portfolio of hotels and apartments in Moscow, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Bratislava and Ostrava, each property benefits from an outstanding location in the heart of its respective city. This ensures access to all major attractions and the opportunity of traveling further afield where necessary. In addition, every building is unique in its concept, with charming and original design features, offering the very highest standards of service.

Helpful and attentive staff are always on hand to make your stay unforgettable. The Mamaison team prides itself on creating a friendly and warm atmosphere that is qualitatively different to that found in standard hotel chains. While they are provided with every amenity, guests are also able to enjoy independence and privacy where desired, making their choice a home away from home in every possible way.

Apartments are spacious and well appointed, with a fully equipped kitchen, TV, DVD player, CD player, high-speed internet access and telephone, creating an ideal situation for the business traveler who wishes to benefit from an office environment. The hotels are likewise ideal for meetings and conferences, as well as weddings and other events.

Mamaison’s hotels in Prague, Moscow, Budapest and Warsaw are members of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which comprises some 350 deluxe hotels worldwide. Additionally, most are also members of Hôtels et Préférence.

Mamaison’s quality and reputation have made them the choice of many celebrities, including actress Mia Farrow, who enjoyed a holiday in Prague’s beautiful baroque Mamaison Pachtuv Palace. We here at Beyond Black followed in her footsteps with a lovely weekend stay in the Executive Suite. This spacious suite offered stunning views of Prague Castle from the private balcony, accessible from the comfortable living area. After many hours of weaving through the many neighborhoods of Prague, the walk-in massage shower will remind you why you chose such a splendid hotel.

This stately palace now contains 50 suites, returned to their original splendor by interior designer Jane Wilson, well-known for restoring the Dorchester in London. Rooms feature antique wooden beams, frescos, vaulted chapel ceilings, sculptures and fireplaces, and contain an expertly-chosen mixture of antique and contemporary furnishings. With a privileged position on the waterfront of the Old Town just steps away the magnificent Charles Bridge, Mamaison Pachtuv Palace has become one of the most refined and exclusive destinations for travelers worldwide.

Mamaison Suite Hotel Pachtuv Palace in Prague, Czech Republic

www.mamaison.com | reservations@mamaison.com | +420 234 705 111

It is sheer coincidence that the tragic sinking of the Titanic a century ago marked the point at which Britain’s economy was officially overtaken by America’s.  A similar power shift is underway in modernity, albeit from West to East. It is likewise poignant to take stock and look back over the last 5 years. In 2007 I published my book forecasting of the credit crisis, called The Final Crash: Addictive Debt and the Deformation of the World Economy. As well as calling the year of the crash, it also examined its cause, effect and consequences well into the future.  We are witnessing an unprecedented confluence of 5 key megatrends namely: population growth, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, currency devaluation and a rebalance of power referred to earlier. Appreciating commodity prices are escalating the speed and scale of resource extraction and subsequent destruction of the environment. This is the critical clash of theory versus reality; where infinite money creation meets finite supplies of natural resources.

Leading by Example

To lead by example, Oppenheim & Co has launched the Luxembourg-based Gaia Opportunities Fund investing in liquid assets that benefit from these megatrends. Given the clear manipulation of equity, bond and precious metal markets one may wonder if securities are the right vehicle to effect reformation in the real world. Although markets are being artificially moulded it does not mean they have mutated for good. They will undergo a transformation of ‘swords to ploughshares’ but for now are swelled by printed money and the assumption that asset prices are officially guaranteed from falling by central banks.  In the meantime we can utilise market mechanisms to concentrate capital toward the right areas which for once will benefit the real world rather than the banking sector.

The Gaia Opportunities fund is designed not just to be ethical but to offset risks that are endemic in this post-bubble economy. It invests in areas that are beneficial to mankind today and more importantly for generations to follow. This need not be sentimental or socialist; it is using a key component of capitalism whereby price changes spawn solutions that can never be achieved politically. In my book I stated that rising oil prices would be like a flash flood in a desert; areas that once seemed barren and hopeless are given life. The same is true of alternative energy, agriculture and forestry. Rising oil prices will change our behaviour and also make alternative energy cost-effective, attracting capital in the process. While ‘Peak Oil’ is hotly debated it appears unlikely that we will run out any time soon; it will just be far more expensive to extract, process and distribute fossil fuels.

1930′s Parallels: Protectionism and Polarity

Sadly, the parallels with the 1930’s are becoming more disturbing by the day and leave one convinced that our leaders have little notion of historical precedent. Like the Book of Revelations, key events are unfolding that appear pre-determined and obvious to those with understanding. Nationalism has most clearly been shown with the 2010 wheat shortages in Russia as exports were banned as the fires blazed. This is a clear dress-rehearsal of things to come when national interests are put before a failed ideology of globalisation. A period of polarisation and currency wars is pending, fomenting energy and resource nationalism, with heightened protectionism and political tension. Just as markets correlate closely during a crash, seemingly unrelated factors are being drawn into this vicious vortex including population growth, pollution and detrimental weather patterns. Analysts and economists struggle to encompass such big-picture events outside of the latest earnings figures or neutered inflation numbers. This is why so many fail to comprehend the kaleidoscopic changes underway.

Taking advantage of Megatrends

The Gaia Opportunities Fund will seek to provide long-term, sustainable growth of capital deriving from these themes whilst limiting downside volatility. The Fund will focus on green investments, precious metals and commodities, especially those related to food production and fertilisers, hence the title ‘Green, Gold and Agriculture’.

Toby Birch
Managing Director Oppenheim & Co Limited (Guernsey)

Toby Birch (t.birch@oppenheim.gg) is the Managing Director of Oppenheim & Co. Limited in Guernsey, the boutique wealth manager for institutions and family offices. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and also holds the Islamic Finance Qualification. He has 20 years’ investment management experience and is the lead manager of the new Gaia Opportunities fund, a multi-asset, long-only fund with no leverage. A quarter of the performance fee will be donated to sustainable projects and Foundations aligned to the Firm’s philosophy. The minimum investment is €125,000 or currency equivalent and is only suitable for Well-Informed or Professional Investors.

The world is moving toward combining luxury with sustainability to create unique and highly desirable products. In the coming months, a new magazine, SLL: Sustainable Luxury Lifestyle, will launch its debut. Due to burst onto the scene in the Spring of 2012, the entire publication will be dedicated to transporting the concept of sustainable luxury to an entirely new level. SLL will tickle your senses with exquisite products and sublime getaways, as well as keep you informed of what is occurring “behind the scenes” through its in-depth interviews with leaders on the sustainable luxury stage. The products, companies and philosophies featured in SLL promise to be truly leading edge, addressing the golden opportunities inherent in combining our growing global consciousness with the quest for ultimate luxury.

• If you absolutely must have the Neiman-Marcus Dancing Fountains integrated into your estate, you will definitely want to create the proper seating from which to enjoy the spectacular water show with friends and family. Consider adorning your aquatic oasis with the inspired furniture designs of Kenneth Cobonpue. Using his many talents to create modern designs from rattan and other natural materials, he has created a line of magnificent outdoor seating that will enhance the most upscale property.  Kenneth Cobonpue has mastered the art of combining locally sourced organic materials, ancient handmade production techniques and new technologies to produce designs that have won him international acclaim. His fusion of ancient craftsmanship with modern artistry make his creations truly breath-taking. As you browse his catalogue, you will appreciate the beauty of the dramatic furniture in his exquisite collection.

www.kennethcobonpue.com

And to warm yourself on those cooler evenings, wrap yourself in luxury from head to toe with beautiful, soft , cosy items from Animana, a social enterprise located in Patagonia and the Andes. Founded by Adriana Marina, Animana produces the most elegant and luxurious blankets and throws out of baby alpaca, vicuña and merino wool. Her profits help train more artisans, rebuild schools and clinics and teach the local workforce about quality and control and prompt delivery, essential elements for success in the global marketplace.

www.animanaonline.com

• I haven’t yet found a sustainable substitute to the Neiman-Marcus Edition Hackercraft Speedboat, but you could consider pairing their magnificent craft with an Infinyte i4 electric 5-person catamaran for those days you would rather coast along at slower speeds. Ideal for the environmentally aware fisherman and boating enthusiast alike, the Infinyte i4 is perfect for calmer waters. Fully charged, the Infinitye i4 will give you 10 hours of cruising pleasure. An onboard battery provides ample backup. The Infinyte i4 is ideal for smaller lakes and secret coves, reminiscent of those made famous by Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda in « On Golden Pond. »

www.infinytemarine.com

If sailing is more you style, order the new eco-friendly Sunreef 75 Sailing Catamaran from Sunreef Yachts. Its sleek, slim design is crafted using a carbon-fibre hull, its reversed bow and stepped hull chins provide maximum performance without sacrificing comfort. Scheduled to set sail this summer, the interior will be luxurious and filled with amenities. Three sleeping cabins, including a master, along with dining for 8 will adorn the interior. The on-board solar panels provide clean energy. Sunreef builds these luxurious catamarans up to 30m.

www.sunreef-yachts.com

• If you love to travel the globe, in addition to the educational trip to Stone Barnes Farm offered by Neiman-Marcus, try a more decadent, but no less environmentally friendly stay at the world-renowned Chiva-Som Health Resort. This “Haven of Life” on the Gulf of Thailand is anchored in a  holistic philosophy of creating overall wellness through the fusion of body, mind and spirit. The entire resort is carefully designed to minimize its environmental footprint and considers the health and happiness of its employees as well as its clients. Bask in the knowledge that you can spoil yourself to the hilt in this 7-acre oasis, while you contribute to supporting the well-being of the local community and surrounding environment.

www.chivasom.com

• If the Neiman-Marcus Johnny Walker Scotch tasting sounds heavenly but whiskey just isn’t your cup of tea, spend an evening treating your friends to a bottle or two of Domaine de la Romanée Conti, the ultimate in organic luxury wines. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has produced some of world’s most exalted wines – the 1978 Montrachet is the most expensive wine on the market today and its 2005 vintage sells for $16,000 a bottle.  The organically cultivated vineyards lie on well drained slopes facing east and south-east. The soil is iron-rich limestone on a base of rock and marl. Five hectares in La Tâche and Grands Échézeaux are cultivated biodynamically, the vines treated with natural preparations according to a strict lunar timetable. The yields are extraordinarily low, just one of the reasons DRC’s wines are some of the most sought-after in the world.

www.antique-wine.com/topwines/romanee-conti.aspx

As you make your entrance at this year’s festive holiday celebration, spoil your host with a tin of La Petite Pearle caviar.  This exquisite “sustainable caviar” comes from farm-raised sturgeon, taking the pressure off the overfished Caspian, Aral, and Black seas.  Purchase of these precious pearls, with their subtly refined taste and texture, helps prevent the extinction of Caspian sturgeon and their wild kindred.

www.lapetitepearle.com/

• So many of us want one of the fabulous Neiman-Marcus custom Ferraris, but unfortunately they sold out this year in the first 50 minutes! To avoid feeling left out of all the fun, slip into in a sleek Model S eco-sports sedan from Tesla or the ultra- sporty Evora 414^E hybrid from Lotus. These « green machines » are not your typical eco-friendly little putter boxes. Their sleek designs and powerful engines rival the performance of most gas guzzling automobiles on the market today.

In addition to its aerodynamic design, Tesla’s Model S sports sedan has included many environmentally friendly features, such as a dashboard made of banana leaf, and the interior acoustics are worthy of a recording studio. Customers can choose from three battery options with a maximum range of 480 km. The vehicle goes from 0-100km/h in an astonishing 5.6 seconds, without hesitation or one drop of gasoline. The Model S can be recharged from any conventional electrical outlet and can support a fast charge in 45 minutes. The entire car is studded with a myriad of luxury options and, with the touch of a button, the panoramic glass roof lifts up to give its passengers the ultimate « top down » drive experience.

www.teslamotors.com

• If you crave a sports model, feast your eyes on the Evora 414E from Lotus. Through its meticulous engineering and unique design, Lotus closes the gap between performance, conscience and style. The Evora 414^E will go from 0-60mph in 4 seconds and has a total range of over 450 km. This hybrid is designed to emulate the sound and feel of traditional combustion engines. Integrating virtual design into the hybrid technology gives the driver increased control, while simulating the downshifting experience typical of conventional gearshifts. A signature copper colour scheme is incorporated throughout, from the dramatic seat stripes and instrument panel inserts to the copper callipers nestled behind the wheels. The careful juxtaposition of leather, Alcantara and metal create a magnificently tactile experience for driver and passenger alike.  With the Evora 414^E, Lotus continues its tradition of producing exciting, efficient, high performance luxury vehicles while contributing to the development of exciting sustainable solutions.

www.lotuscars.com

We are on the cusp of a shift in consumer spending. As the current trend continues, we are beginning to see “conspicuous consumption” take an exciting turn toward “conscientious consumption.”  It’s exhilarating to witness the birth of a new industry, especially in a marketplace that benefits not only producers and consumers, but also the environment and surrounding communities as well.   This year, as you hunt for « the perfect gift » for friends and family, consider adding something truly special, a gift that will not only thrill the recipient (even if it’s yourself), but will also spread a little holiday cheer around the world. ‘Tis the season to share our good fortune and to take a moment to remember how truly blessed we really are.

Happy Holidays!

Guests toasted the occasion surrounded by original exhibits that included signed photographs, vintage gowns, wines, posters and even a car parked at the entrance.

VIPs were collected and driven to the event which ensured a nice crowd of the good and the great.

Vintage Seekers is an intersting concept and a useful resource for the serious collector, and we wish them well for the future.

The Earl of Pembroke, Theresa Hedberg and Tom Harrow

Rosamund Hansen

Warhol's Mao

Signed Marilyn Monroe photograph

Graham's vintage port

vintage dress