Dressing for the European Spring Season in the Chilly Breezes of the Winter Past and the Warming Sun of an Arriving Summer

The weather in spring can be deceptive in Europe, and you may experience the summer warmth, the chilly air of winter and spring drizzle, all in one day. While the weather is all pleasant and nature is in bloom again, with new leaves signalling the fresh Spring, you might be once again wondering what to wear!

Dressing for the summer is easy, and it is easy even for the chilling winters, but deciding on your attire for a season that has the touch of both, is a difficult task indeed. You need a wardrobe that not only reflects your personality, one which is easy enough for the warm hours.   If you are also struggling with the same, Lady Row Couture Dress Coat is the answer to your prayers.

Many like to sport jeans with tees or a blouse, coupled with a good scarf or a jacket. It is perfect for a casual day out with your girl gang. But for women who wish to look a little more sophisticated, a Lady Row Couture Dress Coat is just the right choice. It is also ideal for a more formal evening, and you can flaunt it even when you are going out on a date. 

A Lady Row Couture Dress Coat looks good in almost any setup. You may be heading out for a family gathering, or it might be your friend's wedding, a dress coat is a safe and elegant choice. But this timeless garment is our favourite not only because it looks good and you can wear it everywhere, but also because of its utility. No matter what the weather is, you will always find a dress coat from the house of Lady Row, to save the day. Whether the sun rays are filling the day with their warmth, or the cold wind is the reminder of the lingering winter, or even if the rain decides to take you by surprise, the Couture Dress Coat will help you survive the ever-changing weather, and at the same time, help you ace your style game. 

You can wear a silk dress coat for warmer days. The light shades speak of calm and serenity, and your Lady Row Couture Dress Coat in silk is the perfect ensemble for a warm day. These are adorned by motifs from nature, like flowers and birds, including the chickadees. Painted using the Japanese art of the Yuzen technique, the interplay of bright colours make you stand out in the crowd. You can always pair it with a pair of matching pumps and scarves or go all bold with bright coloured pumps as well. 

There will be days in Spring when you will want to crawl back into the blanket, and these days are closer to winters than they are to the summers. And the same must reflect in our attire for the day as well. In such days, a Lady Row Couture Dress Coat will help you go through the day. These are warmer than the summer coats, so you will not freeze in them, yet not so warm to make you uncomfortable. This comfy wear gives you a warm embrace to brave the chilly winds. You can sport these exclusive pieces with black tights or tights of any other colour, and use statement jewellery to complete your look. Whether you are in the classic black brogues or matching wedges, you are ready to slay!

(Pro Tip: These warm spring coats are also perfect for those days when the drizzle decides to play the spoilsport. But whatever be your plans, you can go about them effortlessly, and you need not worry about the rain. Your fashion statement remains unharmed, thanks to your choice of the Lady Row Couture Dress Coat!)

For the cooler Spring days, you may also choose to go for a dress coat in leather, embellished with carefully hand-drawn motifs from nature, and decked up with some beads and pearls to set it a class apart. Team this with a pair of long earrings and ankle-high boots, and you are ready to turn heads wherever you go. This will double up as party wear as well, so you can dance your heart out in this! 

The ever-elusive weather pattern in London Spring should not stop you from putting your best foot forward. When dressed in the right Lady Row Couture Dress Coat, made exclusively for you, there is no looking back. You may want to opt for the light silk dress coats for those warm spring days, or you may want to be your classy best for the cooler days when it is likely to rain, or you may even be the heart of the group who is known for her impeccable sense of fashion- whatever your needs are, whatever you are, there is always a Lady Row Couture Dress Coat that is your second skin. It will not only make you look good; it is also to make you feel good. When in doubt, flaunt your dress coat, and you shall never go wrong.

Article by Lady Row - View our Platinum Partner Feature

A British Icon Reborn - Aston Martin Returns to the 2021 Formula One Grid with Cognizant as Title Partner

With anticipation building for almost 12 months and a monumental amount of work undertaken behind the scenes, Aston Martin is back in Formula One. The new era has officially begun.

We couldn’t be more excited to finally reveal the first look at our new identity while setting out our vision for the journey ahead. And what better way to begin the new age than by welcoming a new title partner, Cognizant, an American multinational IT brand with ambitious plans to broaden its global reach.

The team will be known as Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team when it lines up on the starting grid for the new season.

In a sport where technology and innovation take centre stage, Cognizant will play a key role, not merely as a sponsor, nor even as a behind-the-scenes service provider, but as a true digital transformation partner with a real purpose. The multi-year association brings real energy to the new era of Aston Martin in Formula One with Cognizant ideally placed to empower the team with the best IT infrastructure and software solutions on the market.

Today’s news coincides with the first elements of a brand-new website going live and facelifts to the team’s social media channels, with greater insights than ever before coming soon to the official Aston Martin Formula One™ Team Instagram Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn channels.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be taking you behind the scenes allowing everybody to share in the excitement of seeing the first Aston Martin to race at a Grand Prix weekend in more than six decades.

In March, we’ll be unveiling our car livery to the world at Aston Martin’s global HQ in Gaydon, including the introduction to our driver line-up, featuring four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and multiple Grand Prix podium finisher Lance Stroll.

Lawrence Stroll, Chairman, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team:
“The return of Aston Martin to Formula One after more than 60 years away is a landmark moment in the history of the sport. Everyone knows what Aston Martin stands for, but the Formula One team will allow us to take the essence of the brand to new places, building on the strong foundations laid by the previous iterations of the team. I’m hugely proud that we can start this new chapter with the support of Cognizant. In today’s world, as the digital revolution continues, I can’t think of a more suitable or valuable partner to work with us as we strive to make Aston Martin one of the greatest teams in the sport.”

Brian Humphries, CEO of Cognizant:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be the title partner of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team. Our global brands have much in common. We are both innovative, forward-looking firms that like to move fast, stay focused, and lead from the front. We understand the incredible power of today’s advanced technologies and how to harness them to engineer unique customer experiences. We’re excited by the promise of this deep and mutually beneficial partnership.”

Otmar Szafnauer, CEO & Team Principal, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team:
“We’re just two months away from the start of the season, so it’s fantastic to celebrate the new era of Aston Martin in Formula One by welcoming Cognizant as our title partner. Innovation and technology are central pillars for any Formula One team and this long-term partnership is more than just a branding exercise. With a new factory already under construction, Cognizant’s expertise and resources will add value in all areas of our IT operations and make a valuable contribution to our performance on-track.”

Jefferson Slack, Managing Director – Commercial & Marketing, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team:
“This is a really special moment as we welcome Cognizant as the primary partner of the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. As we take this iconic brand back to the pinnacle of racing, it’s hugely motivating to have the support of a true powerhouse in Cognizant, a Fortune 200 company with nearly 300,000 employees. It’s a multinational that’s making a real impact across the globe with great vision from Brian Humphries and the senior leadership team. Cognizant will be integral to our future success and a partner in the truest sense unleashing its capabilities as a digital transformation agent. Like Aston Martin, it’s a company with aggressive targets and ambitions, and will flourish in the global spotlight of Formula One.”

Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, Driver:
“I can’t wait to start working with Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team. There’s so much for me to discover over the next few months and I’m incredibly determined to help make this team even more successful. Before we know it, we will be at the first race, seeing this famous name back where it belongs. I’m proud to be part of this journey.”

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team, Driver:
“Seeing Aston Martin back in Formula One is a huge deal - especially with a new title partner, Cognizant. Whenever I’m at the factory, you can feel the buzz and energy. We’re ready for this. There’s so much hunger in the team and I just can’t wait to get the season started.”

About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq-100: CTSH) is one of the world’s leading professional services companies, transforming clients’ business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant is ranked 194 on the Fortune 500 and is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com or follow us @Cognizant.

About Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team
After more than 60 years away from Formula One, Aston Martin returns to Grand Prix racing in 2021. With one of the most iconic emblems in the world emblazoned above the garages and a team of over 450 passionate men and women at its heart, this is a team with both a rich heritage and a fresh perspective – bringing new energy to the sport with a determination to shake up the order and compete at the sharp end.

A growing family, where like-minded people from all walks of life are encouraged to be a part of our journey and given a platform to thrive, our mission is to use the global platform of motorsport to engage a new wave of fans – showcasing the technology and innovation which live at our core while representing the values that resonate with the changing world in which we live.

The new age of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team begins here.
www.astonmartinf1.com

Follow the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team
Twitter: @astonmartinf1
Instagram: @astonmartinf1
Facebook: /astonmartinf1

Strategic & Effective Financial Planning for the New Year with Corporate Partner Blevins Franks

Strategic Financial Planning for the New Year
By Rob Kay - Senior Partner Blevins Franks

Of course, you can review your financial planning any time to ensure it is on the right path, but the New Year is the perfect prompt to do so if you have not taken a fresh look at it for a while.  And perhaps it is even more important this year as we navigate a post-Brexit world.

One key reason to review your wealth management is to ensure it is up to date. Establish whether any tax rules or financial regulations have changed, and consider if developments in your personal and family circumstances mean you should adjust previous arrangements.

But an effective review of your financial planning, to ensure it is suitable for your life in France and your wishes for the future, needs to go beyond that.  

The benefits of strategic planning
Many people only consider segments of their finances at a time. They may have bought shares in companies they like and/or invested in funds recommended by a financial adviser years ago.  They may speak to a tax accountant to learn about French taxation and perhaps ask about tax planning opportunities.  Then they speak to a lawyer about setting up a French will.  At some point they will look at their pension funds and try and work out how best to access their retirement savings. 

For truly effective financial planning, however, you need to consider all these various aspects together.  For example, how you hold your investments can make a difference to your French tax liabilities.  Estate planning in France is no simple matter, with its complex succession tax regime and forced heirship rules, and how you own assets can impact on what you can achieve.  And when deciding what to do with your pensions, look at all your retirement savings and what income they can generate for you.

Here is a summary of three key areas you should consider in your financial planning review. 

French residency and taxation 
The fact that you are resident in France, rather than the UK, has a significant impact on your financial planning. First of all, make sure you know where you are resident for tax purposes, especially if you are new to France or spend time in both countries.  The French and UK tax residence rules can be more complex than first meets the eye. The double tax treaty determines where you pay tax if you are resident in one country and earn income in the other. 

Regardless of how effective your tax planning in the UK was, you pretty much need to start afresh in France. What was tax efficient across the Channel is unlikely to be tax efficient here. Have you explored all the compliant arrangements that provide tax benefits in France?  Assurance-vie, for example, can provide a range of advantages that go beyond lowering your tax bill.

Estate planning
Do not leave estate planning to the final stage of financial planning.  The way you own property and investments in France makes a difference to how you can distribute your assets on death and how much tax your beneficiaries pay. So take this into consideration when buying assets and setting up investment arrangements. 

Succession law in France protects children over your spouse.  This can have unwelcome consequences for families with children from previous marriages, unless you plan ahead. UK nationals can use the EU regulation – ‘Brussels IV’ – to distribute their estate under UK law, but do research this first as it may not be the best solution for you. 

Financial structuring for life in France 
Perhaps the key rule for financial planning is that it must be specifically structured around your personal circumstances – your lifestyle today and plans for the future, family situation, income requirements, objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance. 

If you do not already have a strategic financial plan in place for France, you may need to take a completely fresh look at all your savings and investments and consider if they are suitable for you today and the current economic climate, for example:

Are they too risky? 
Do you have adequate diversification?
Can they provide income without risking the capital? 
Could you consolidate shares and funds so they are easier to manage? 

Tax liabilities
And, at the same time, consider your tax liabilities on investment income and gains and whether you could use alternative tax-efficient arrangements to hold your investments.  And how will these savings be passed to your heirs? What inheritance taxes will they have to pay? Can the funds be passed on directly or will there be a lengthy probate process?

Some assurance-vie allow you to hold your choice of investment assets while providing tax and estate planning benefits. There are various ones available so choose the one that works for you.

Securing the best results
Every family is different. Your strategic financial planning must be carefully designed for you. All the various aspects should work cohesively together to create an overall wealth management plan that provides long-term financial security for yourself and achieves your wishes for your heirs.  

For peace of mind that you have covered everything, that you have understood the intricacies of French taxation and not missed out on tax planning opportunities, and that making one financial decision will not have unexpected consequences on another, take expert, professional advice, ideally from a locally based cross-border wealth management specialist. If you still use a UK-based financial adviser, confirm that they can continue to provide services to you in France after Brexit. And as is always the case, your adviser should take the time to get to know you to then outline personalised recommendations for you. 

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

You can find other financial advisory articles by visiting our website

Fairmont Monte Carlo Private Dining Launches New Website Promoting Flawless Expertise in Events Management

With flawless expertise in events management, dinners and private receptions, the Fairmont Monte Carlo brings you its integrated Private Dining service, designed to meet a variety of different high-end requirements and needs by drawing on professional experience accumulated over more than 30 years.

PRIVATE DINING BY FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO
Let us come to you!

Managed by a team of experienced Chefs, the Private Dining by Fairmont Monte Carlo ensures every event is a success thanks to innovative high quality service especially designed to meet each event’s needs for a tailor-made result.

Private Dining by Fairmont Monte Carlo has renowned partners in Monaco such as Monaco Yacht Show, Tennis Rolex Masters, AS Monaco, Grimaldi Forum. It can boast an exclusive collection of clients in the Principality and in the Alpes Maritimes region (private yachts, villas, museums, iconic sites) and has been called upon for some exceptional events (Monaco pavilion’s restaurant and café at the World Expo Milan 2015).

Contact:
Clemence Antoine
Director of Sales Private Dining & Banqueting 
Email
Website

Platinum Partner Billionaire Life Opens Flagship Location in Riyadh's Sulaimaniya District Offering a New and Opulent Asian and Italian Journey

Billionaire Life, the luxury hospitality brand founded by Formula 1 legend Flavio Briatore, opens its Riyadh location today on Dabbab Street in the city’s Sulaimaniya District, elevating Saudi Arabia’s sophisticated dining scene to a new standard. Billionaire Riyadh offers a menu of two distinct yet harmonious cuisines - New-Asian and Italian - curated by celebrity chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioğlu.

The restaurant’s standalone building features a spectacular sculpture-garden entrance and a multisensory interior designed by the London-based firm Sagrada. Inspired by the idea of a nocturnal adventure, the versatile setting strikes a balance between formality and casual ease, where Riyadh’s refined urban clientele can meet in a discreet environment for daytime business lunches, all-evening dinners with friends, and private events.

The Billionaire restaurant brand, a subsidiary of the Billionaire Life hospitality and entertainment portfolio, opened its first location in Porto Cervo, Italy, in 1998. Since then, it has established itself as an icon and leader in the international dining and entertainment scene. Billionaire Riyadh, the brand’s second location in the Middle East, gears its menu, interior, and ambience toward the city’s discerning professionals, who seek innovative dining experiences in exclusivity-conscious spaces. The restaurant is owned and operated by Modern Food Company Ltd. (MFC), a Saudi-based franchisee of international hospitality brands.

“Modern Food Company is thrilled to partner with the world-renowned Billionaire Life brand,” says Mr. Faisal Shaker, CEO of Modern Food Company Ltd. “We look forward to working together as a team and as a family to be a part of Saudi Arabia’s luxury dining and hospitality offerings that are already available in this Kingdom, set in a premium class surroundings.”

“The opening of Billionaire Riyadh will complement the capital’s top class dining scene, as well as aligning ourselves toward Saudi Vision 2030, which will set the standards for our Kingdom’s vision working towards higher quality of life for Saudi nationals and residents, also putting Saudi Arabia as a world’s class tourism and dining destination as the Kingdom prepares itself to stage Formula-E and Formula 1 2021 race later this year.”

“Billionaire Life is delighted and proud to work with Modern Food Company in establishing our first venture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” says Flavio Briatore. “Their expertise in the Saudi hospitality market is second to none. Just as importantly, they share our values and creative vision, as well as our commitment to providing the highest standards of quality and service.”

Chef Batuhan Piatti Zeynioğlu has developed an ambitious menu of New-Asian and Italian dishes exclusively for Billionaire Riyadh. The New-Asian selections include lobster salad and Korean-style baby chicken, in addition to sushi, sashimi, and the Billionaire brand’s signature maki rolls. Among the Italian offerings are house-made spinach-and-ricotta ravioli with butter and sage, Wagyu-beef carpaccio, and burrata with cherry tomatoes. Options from the open-view “Live Fire Grill” range from lamb chops to chicken to Wagyu ribeye steak.

Billionaire Riyadh’s majestic, high-ceilinged interior boasts velvet-upholstered chairs and banquettes; brass metalwork; natural-granite countertops and flooring; and ribbed-timber wall paneling. Sputnik-inspired lighting fixtures wash the space in a muted, celestial glow, imparting a sense of calm. The 20-meter-long “Live Fire Grill” allows guests to observe preparation of the meats, adding a flame-filled, theatrical visual to the experience. Moreover, fully equipped private spaces offer unparalleled versatility and discretion for business meetings, special occasions, or parties—spaces that seamlessly transition from the main dining area to reflect the progressive spirit of a contemporary Saudi Arabia.

ABOUT BILLIONAIRE LIFE
Billionaire Life is the leading curator of luxury dining, entertainment experiences, and indulgent living. Founded in 1998 in Porto Cervo, Italy, by Formula 1 legend Flavio Briatore, Billionaire Life today boasts an elite portfolio of prestigious branded nightclubs, restaurants, and resorts across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

ABOUT MODERN FOOD COMPANY LTD
Established in 2014, Modern Food Company (MFC) is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading operators of international franchise brands, as well as the creator of the recently launched Myazu—MFC’s very own concept of a high-end, contemporary Japanese restaurant.

At Modern Food Company, everything revolves around its guests’ experiences. Its business and creative practices are informed by passions for delicious food and superb hospitality, combined with artistry and attention to modern lifestyles. MFC works only with high-performance brands that exceed both Saudi Arabian and international standards.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Patrizia Spinelli
Communication & PR Director, Billionaire Life Monaco
E-mail
Website

BOHEMIA - A Contemporary Circus Cabaret Showcases in Monaco Mixing Acrobatics, Dance, Comedy, Theatre, Singing and Live Music!

8 STARS MONACO - BOHEMIA

Variety Show - 8th to 10th January 2021
Grimaldi Forum Monaco

For the first time in Monaco, the contemporary circus cabaret BOHEMIA takes over the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum for 5 exceptional performances in the heart of a Spiegeltent, a large round tent in vintage fabric and wood, adorned with mirrors that will immerse you in a unique atmosphere ! 

Combining acrobatics, dance, comedy, theater, singing and live music, BOHEMIA has been acclaimed by the public in London where it was created in 2018 by the Black Cat Cabaret. Co-produced this time with the company 8 Stars Monaco, BOHEMIA goes even further and recreates the ambiance and delights of the cabaret, up to the configuration of the room : here the public does not book seats but tables to be shared with relatives while enjoying the show.

Thanks to her humour, voice, crazy costumes and sincerity, Miss Frisky, your Mistress of Ceremony will engage you in an unforgettable experience, twirling and passionate, with her troupe of bohemian and high-calibre artists ; 4 musicians and 7 artists who will dazzle you, including Nicolas Jelmoni, raised in the Principality, previously part of the Cirque du Soleil’s troupe, awarded with his partner Charlotte a Bronze Clown in Monaco as well as a Golden Buzzer….and also the organizer of the event as well as Artistic Director of the company 8 Stars Monaco.

January 8th at 8.00 pm - Opening ceremony
January 9th and 10th - Shows at 5.30 pm and 8.00 pm 

Reservation :  reservation@8stars.mc | +33 6 80 86 42 00 | www.8stars.mc/Bohemia