The Mark Hotel, located on New York City’s Upper East Side in an exquisite building dating back to 1927, has been completely redesigned for the 21st century. Combiningold-world comfort, avant-garde design and state-of-the-art equipment, the property also boasts the largest penthouse suite in the United States.

Just minutes from Central Park and within walking distance of New York’s premier museums, the Mark Hotel is the epitome of French style, faultless service, cutting-edge technology and American comfort. Visitors enjoy the expertise of a unique combination of talent: interior designer Jacques Grange, three-Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the world’s most famous hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai and visionary hotel manager Olivier Lordonnois.

A RANGE OF CUSTOMIZED SERVICES

If the Mark Hotel has become the favourite establishment of the stars of cinema, fashion, the arts and Wall Street, it’s because it has placed the concept of service excellence at the centre of its philosophy. This level of service, typically found only in palaces, takes different forms. Guests have access to 24-hour in-room dining, Mark Pedicabs for six hours a day (included in the price of the suites), free bicycle rental (with the option of picnicking in Central Park), the Frédéric Fekkai hair salon, the John Lobb shoeshine kiosk, personalized fitness training and 24/7 access to the Bergdorf Goodman luxury department store, all at the very heart of the establishment.

THE LARGEST PENTHOUSE SUITE IN THE UNITED STATES

In addition to its sophisticated and comfortable rooms overlooking 77th Street, Madison Avenue or the hotel’s charming courtyard, the Mark Hotel’s penthouse suite is the largest in the United States, covering an area of over 1,000 square metres. Designed by the brilliant French interior designer Jacques Grange, the penthouse is the epitomize of modern luxury.

The penthouse occupies the top two floors of the Mark Hotel and comprises five bedrooms, four fireplaces, six bathrooms, two shower rooms and two bars. It has its own veranda, a library lounge, a magnificent dining room and a rooftop terrace, which includes an outdoor dining and entertainment area with breathtaking views of the city, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park.

• 106 ROOMS, 50 SUITES, 1 PENTHOUSE•CLASSIC ROOMS (37–47 M2)
• SUITES (65–446 M2)
• 24-HOUR IN-ROOM DINING SERVICE
• FRÉDÉRIC FEKKAI HAIR SALON
• STATE-OF-THE-ART GYMAND PERSONAL TRAINING•FREE SHOE POLISHING SERVICE
• FREE BICYCLE LOAN
• 24-HOUR BUSINESS CENTRE
• SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR PETS
• 106 CHAMBRES, 50 SUITES, 1 PENTHOUSE

www.themarkhotel.com

Text: Diane Stehle

Xavier Roux is a French artist living in NYC, where he welcomed LUXE Magazine to a preview showing of his next exhibition, an in situ installation at the artist’s studio. The exhibition opens on November 18 2017.

What did you name this panoramic mural installation that covers the wall of your studio?

I titled this work Swimming Pool in tribute to Matisse’s La Piscine. I wanted to create the impression of immersion that you get when you dive into a pool. The colours are similar to the tones of light reflected in the blue water of the pool.

The effect is luminous and radiates trough the space. It’s like being surrounded by multiple windows, as if your drawings opened the walls like stained glass.

I have an intimate relationship with architecture. It’s a mnemonic and emotional relationship more than an aesthetic one. Certain spaces inspire me, comfort me. I project my interior space on the existing structure.That’s probably why I like spaces that create a sense of emptiness. I like cathedrals and swimming pools for that reason. As a matter of fact, I created a video (Agnus Dei) inspired by this theme over a decade ago.

We feel transformed by the experience. Rothko said “a painting is not a picture of an experience; it is an experience”

It’s interesting that you should quote Rothko. For the Rothko Chapel in Texas, he first created a mock-up of the chapel space in his studio before having an identical space built in Houston for his site-specific paintings. The choice of space for this exhibition led us to use my studio in order to preserve the experience of immersion in the artwork. So it’s a process very similar to Rothko’s.More generally, I consider the creative act as an experience. I do lots of participatory art projects precisely to enrich the public’s experience and allow it to view the work differently.

Your studio is a creative lab where all sorts of experiments take place. You repurpose machines created to erase all traces (Roombas), which you transform into machines to make traces!

I consider creative work to be very similar to scientific research. I’m very interested in fundamental research, especially in particle physics and neuroscience. The similarity in approaches comes down to the very nature of research: the researcher, like the artist, doesn’t know what he’s looking for and is even less aware of what he’ll find. We start from a hypothesis, an idea, and we try to validate it and to see where it leads us. It’s a playful job that requires great openness of spirit and lots of imagination.

It’s also a job that requires a good sense of humour to be able to accept the mistakes that are the breeding ground of great discoveries and great creations. Discovery and creation are in fact one and the same thing.

xavier-roux.com

Text: Barbara Stehle

Vincent Drolet, President and COO of the Circo de Bakuza communications agency, and Nic Urli, founder of their high-end event production arm and owner of the restaurants Jatoba, Flyjin, HÀ, and Blumenthal as well as the École Privée nightclub, are partnering with the Octane Racing Group, promoter of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada in Montreal.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OCTANE RACING GROUP?

I have now been involved in the creation of events surrounding the Grand Prix du Canada, particularly those taking place at Auberge St-Gabriel, for the past eight years. Last year, I worked with Vincent Drolet to create a force capable of putting large-scale events together during the Formula 1 weekend, a kind of festival surrounding the Grand Prix event. We created the ABGE brand at Auberge St-Gabriel in partnership with the Octane Racing Group, the official promoter of the Grand Prix du Canada. We were so successful last year that we decided to add several new events to program.

IN WHAT WAY ARE THE OFFICIAL EVENTS YOU ARE PRESENTING DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS?

Our partnership involves three entities that all possess a state-of-the-art expertise and enjoy strong credibility in their specialty. Circo de Bakuza, for one, handled the organization of the opening and closing ceremonies of Euro 2016 and the Jeux du Québec. They possess incredible local and international expertise as an event producer. As for me, I’ve been a producer of high-end events in Montreal for the past eight years. I’m also a partner in multiple restaurants, including Flyjin, Jatoba, Hà and Blumenthal. Finally, the Octane Racing Group is the promoter of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. So our events are the only ones that carry the official seal besides the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve events. That guarantees quality and a client base.

TELL US ABOUT THE GRAND EVENING, THE F1 OPENING GALA.

It is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year in Montreal. This year, it will take place in the Iberville Passenger Terminal, a magnificent brand-new venue. The event celebrating the opening of festivities will be attended by race car drivers, local and international celebrities, and the Montreal business community in a unique and festive atmosphere. The evening will begin with a red carpet followed by a cocktail party and a dinner. Some of Canada’s best chefs will be on hand to create the menu, and there will be breathtaking artistic performances. Also, this year, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 50t h ANNIVERSARY OFFICIAL EVENTS CALENDAR – FROM THURSDAY JUNE 8 TO SUNDAY JUNE 11, 2017

1-THE GRAND EVENING

Thursday, June 8

5:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.: Official launch party of the Grand Prix du Canada

Location: The Iberville Passenger Terminal, Montréal, Quebec

In association with the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation

2- ABGE EVENTS AT AUBERGE ST-GABRIEL

Thursday, June 8

5:00 p.m. – F1 BBQ: A gourmet BBQ unlike any other

7:00 p.m. – Special Grand Prix Banquet

10:00 p.m. – Amnesia Night – The Grand Evening After-Party

Friday, June 9

7:00 p.m. – Special Grand Prix Banquet

10:00 p.m. – Bacchus Night In partnership with L’ARC, the most popular Parisian nightclub.

Saturday, June 10

Noon – Le Brunch

3:00 p.m. – Le Brunch After-Party

7:00 p.m. – Special Grand Prix Banquet

10:00 p.m. – Grandiosa NightSunday, June 11

7:00 p.m. – Special Grand Prix Banquet

10:00 p.m. – Extravaganza Night – Grand Prix After-Party

3- 50t h ANNIVERSARY PLACE IN DORCHESTER SQUARE

June 8 – 11

9 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Retrospectives, animations, autograph session with race car drivers and live presentation of trials and the Grand Prix du Canada on giant screen.

Event open to the public.

Free admission.

4– THE 50t hANNIVERSARY PARTY

Sunday, June 11

10:00 p.m.: The 50th Anniversary Party

A must-attend closing event halfway between a mini arts festival and a disco night.

For more information and tickets: Ève Brien

+1 438-985-2156

www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca

www.abge.ca

Simon Geyik, Mesut Gursoy and Chadi Farhat, three devoted partners who are well-known in the hairstyling world, recently opened Salon Mute, a high-end, full service hair salon nestled in the heart of downtown Montreal. They provide haircuts, colour and styling for both men and women with a talented, experienced team of professional stylists who only use high-quality hair products to enhance their work. They are proud to use high-performance Kérastase and L’Oréal Professionnel products for styling, hair care and hair colour. This unpretentious boutique salon keeps up with the pulse of current trends in hair, fashion and art! The vibe at Salon Mute might have a Zen atmosphere, but its standard for quality hairstyling, with the high-end Kérastase line and the L’Oréal Professionnel hair colour option is a priority. Whether you are looking for a permanent colour, a sunkissed balayage effect or just a gloss, at Salon Mute, service is never compromised.

With an Instagram post on their page that reads, “Because your hair is 90% of your selfie,” their message is straightforward: your hair MATTERS to them, and every client will leaving looking and feeling fabulous!

For over 35 years, TASCHEN Books has concentrated on publishing books about art, architecture and design. Whether you consider its 1985 magnificent and reasonably priced book on Picasso, or its 1999 volume of photographs by the notorious Helmut Newton, the publishing house has always stood out because of its high standards for quality and original content. Here are a few suggestions from its latest releases.

ARCHITECTURAL GENIUS

Every project by American Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) is both very personal and representative of a whole era. Wright’s creations are remarkable because of their exceptional understanding of the ecological environment as well as by their use of steel and glass, and they both helped usher in the modern era and assured him a place in the annals of architectural engineering. Prepared thanks to an unlimited access to the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives kept at Taliesin West, the architect’s winter residence in Arizona, the collection is an in-depth exploration of Wright’s projects, from his first Prairie houses to his more recent works, including his concept of a Usonian house.

Frank Lloyd Wright, TASCHEN Books – $89.95

HEAVENLY BODY

Originally from a modest family in a small town in Brazil, Gisele Bündchen has become the highest-paid model in the world, appearing on over 1,000 magazine covers. From her legendary nude portrait by Irving Penn (on the cover of the book) to famous shots by the world’s greatest photographers including Steven Meisel, Mario Testino and Peter Lindbergh, the book celebrates the 20th anniversary of this most famous Brazilian and paints an unmatched artistic portrait. This fascinating album includes stories from her closest friends, her family, and those who have worked with her in the world of fashion.

Gisele, TASCHEN Books – $99.95

FASHION

From Azzedine Alaïa and Coco Chanel to Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood, this new edition of Fashion Designers A–Z honours the greats in the world of 20th century fashion through the permanent collection of the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Formerly available only as a Limited Collector’s Edition, this new edition combines photographs of over 500 pieces of clothing from the Museum’s permanent collections. Every garment presented, whether a ravishing evening gown in embroidered velvet or an example of Mondrian-inspired chic minimalism, was chosen for its beauty and for how it brings to life the philosophy or style of one of the featured designers.

Fashion Designers A-Z, TASCHEN Books – $89.95

Montblanc, founded in 1906, has earned an unparalleled reputation thanks to its timeless designs, the quality of its materials, and its master craftspeople’s unique expertise. We sat down with Montblanc North America President Sylvain Costof to learn more about this famous Maison.

PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE MONTBLANC PRODUCTS.

The Montblanc story began more than 110 years ago, revolutionizing the culture of writing instruments with breakthrough innovations. Today, the Maison continues to evolve the expression of fine craftsmanship across all product categories including writing instruments, timepieces, leather goods, accessories, fragrances and eyewear. With every innovation, Montblanc offers new functionalities and ground breaking designs which reflect the brands ongoing mission to create fine lifetime companions.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MONTBLANC CUSTOMER?

Montblanc is a faithful lifetime companion to our discerning clientele. They look to the brand for a breath of product that symbolizes fine craftsmanship, elegant style and function for their monumental life achievements.

HOW DO MONTBLANC WATCHES STAND OUT IN THE MAR KET?

With over 150 years of uninterrupted Swiss watchmaking heritage, Montblanc fine watchmaking is built on the unique foundation of two manufacturers, Le Locle and Villeret, which seamlessly create the finest timepieces and the most innovative calibres that the highest level of Swiss watchmaking can deliver. The Maison’s uncompromising principles of design, style, quality and workmanship have allowed it to create heirloom collections that are passed from generation to generation. Today, those same principles are applied and communicated in several landmark launches within the past few years – Heritage and Bohème collections three years ago, the 1858 collection last year, and our first Summit Smartwatch in March of this year – a launch that takes fine watchmaking into the digital age and marks a new era in luxury wearables for men.

WHICH MONTBLANC WATCH WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR A BUSINESSMAN LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT IS BOTH ELEGANT AND UNIQUE?

There are many styles within our collection that speak to the businessman. The Perpetual Calendar, a favorite of mine, which boasts timeless elegance as well as the Montblanc Summit Smartwatch, a connected companion to navigate through the fast pace of today’s lifestyle while experiencing the feeling of a real watch on the wrist. It provides the perfect alchemy between the design codes of traditional fine timekeeping and technology.

WE KNOW THAT MONTBLANC IS A UNICEF PARTNER. COULD YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT PARTNERSHIP?

Montblanc’s heritage is rooted in the written word and we are proud to renew our relationship with UNICEF for the fifth time since 2004, in hopes of spreading literacy to primary school children across the globe. The success of this partnership hinges on members of first world countries, like the United States and Canada, to support the mission to aid children with the skills to read and write; tools that we often take for granted. For every piece in the “Montblanc for UNICEF Collection” sold from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 raises the amount that will be donated towards providing more children access to primary education of a better quality with a minimum granted donation of 1.5 million.