Earlier this month we reported on the Royal Ascot races, one of the highlights of the English social season. This week ushers in another classic British sporting event-cum-society pageant, the Henley Royal Regatta. The five-day Regatta, held on the River Thames by the town of Henley-on-Thames, takes place over the first weekend of every July and runs from Wednesday the 2nd through Sunday the 6th this year.
International crews compete in various races at the Regatta, which has been held every year since 1839 except during the two World Wars, the main event being the Grand Challenge Cup for Men's Eights. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort, became the Regatta's first Royal Patron in 1851, a tradition carried on by the reigning monarch ever since, though unlike Royal Ascot they don't always deign to attend.
Even more so than at Ascot, Henley provides an opportunity for aristocrats from the sporting and social sets to dress in that distinctively British style which has inspired so many fashion designers over the decades. The commercialization of Henley, unlike Ascot, Wimbledon and cricket at Lord's, has been slower to take hold, and as Godfrey Smith writes in The English Season, it is something of "an Edwardian time warp."
Sporting triumphs are often marked with the splash of victory, that moment when the Gatorade hits the winning coach's unsuspecting head. Celtics coach Doc Rivers got a good soaking in orange Gatorade when the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. His Gatorade-stained shirt has now brought in $55,000 for The Shamrock Foundation through an auction on sports radio WEEI (850 AM). The Boston Globe's Celtics Blog reports that an anonymous bidder pledged $35,000 for the shirt and the Gatorade bucket used in the soaking. The Gatorade company donated an addition $10,000 and a second anonymous donor gifted a $10,000 pledge.Steve Pagliuca, Celtics managing partner and president of The Shamrock Foundation has offered another $35,000 if the shirt's new owner will let the Celtics show off the shirt to fans at certain points during the next season.
The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation benefits children in Boston, partnering with community based organizations that provide healthcare, shelter and vital services for children in need. The foundation's current community partners are Perkins School for the Blind, Childrens Hospital Boston, Horizons for Homeless Children, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC). They accept donations if you want to commemorate the Celtics victory with a little giving of your own.
When I was first learning to play golf when I was young, it was a big thrill that there were finally orange and lime green balls. Then came the hot pink golf balls and I was in heaven. My teenage self would have loved this pretty princess putter from The GoldenPutter but it would have been a bit out of my price range. Each Golden Putter has a 24 carat gold plated shaft, a leather grip (in pink but other colors are available) and a head with customizable crystal inlays. The First Special Lady Edition of the "GoldenPutter" will be available for 1995 euros. For those with more money to spend there is the possibility to create a diamond lady putter will be available for around $150,000.
Even though we are enjoying summer weather here in the northern hemisphere, in New Zealand it is ski season! At Terrace Downs, just at the foot of the southern Alps and Mt. Hutt, is a new privately owned resort with restaurants, 18-holes of golf, spa experiences, luxury accommodations and a fabulous new helicopter service that takes five minutes to get to the base of the ski area. The helicopter rides are only NZ$65 each way and allow the passenger to soak up breath-taking views on the way to the mountain. The villas, vistas and views make this getaway down under one gorgeous stop.
The annual Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge will kick off at the JetOne Jets Field at the Bridgehampton Polo Club on Saturday, July 19 this year. This season's partners include Coca-Cola, Fiji Water, T-Mobile, Pernod Ricard, Ralph Lauren, Hpnotiq and Zino Platinum Cigars, and the MVP Player Award will be presented by Westin Rinehart. The matches, which will run for six consecutive Saturdays through August 23 this year, are the social mainstay of the Hamptons season and feature some of the world's best polo players competing for one of the sport's most treasured prizes. Anyone can watch from the stands, but the invitation-only V.I.P. tent is the real scene. Celebs in attendance in years previous have included Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, Howard Stern, Jared Leto, Jay Z, Jessica Alba, Mischa Barton, Natalie Portman and Prince Albert of Monaco, to name a few. All proceeds will go to a good cause, the South Fork Breast Health Coalition.
Surfing's famous Malloy brothers have been working with outdoor gear company Patagonia to create a new more eco-friendly wetsuit. The wetsuit is made of Japanese neoprene lined with merino wool blended with recycled polyester to keep you warm when the water is cold and wick moisture away from the skin. The suit uses recycled polyester, chlorine-free wool, PVC-free kneepads and thinner neoprene layers to reduce the impact on the environment. Suits start around $350 while tops start around $110.
Since it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the annual Royal Ascot races have become the highlight of the English social season. Ostensibly a five-day sporting event, it's also evolved into something of an immense fashion show, marked by the arrival of the Royal Family in ceremonial horse-drawn carriages every day. It has become the style for ladies to sport increasingly outrageous hats, and lately the traditional rules about "formal day dress" in the coveted Royal Enclosure have been rather loosely interpreted, much to the Queen's dismay.
This year officials have cracked down, declaring that "Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch and/or miniskirts are considered unsuitable," while "Midriffs must be covered and trouser suits must be full length and of matching material and color." Those not in compliance will be asked to leave the Royal Enclosure. Gentlemen have always been required to wear full morning dress with top hats. Lest all the pageantry detract from the business at hand, it's worth noting that prize money at this year's event, which runs through Saturday, has reached an unprecedented $7.8 million.
To celebrate the 2008 European Cup soccer tournament, dashing designers Dolce & Gabbana have created a stylish new wardrobe for the Italian National Football Team ("Nazionale"). Italy debuted today in the fiercely-competitive 16-nation tournament at the Stade de Suisse in Berne, Switzerland. Dolce & Gabbana custom-tailored natty narrow-lapeled one-button dark blue suits with the Nazionale badge embroidered on the breast pocket, classic white shirts and solid narrow blue silk ties for the team. Filling out their off-pitch wardrobe are blue single-breasted peak-lapel blazers, matching four-button vests, blue cotton and wool hooded track suit tops, blue cotton track suit bottoms with satin belts and sides, and black nylon padded parkas with multiple pockets and detachable hoods. The collaboration is the latest in a line of recent designer makeovers for famed European football (soccer) teams, including Giorgio Armani for the Chelsea F.C. and Paul Smith for Manchester United. See the gallery for more.
In celebration of Big Brown's seemingly inevitable Triple Crown victory at tomorrow's Belmont Stakes, our favorite small batch bourbon Woodford Reserve has created a special cocktail. The "Big Brown Triple Crown" recipe is as follows:
Shake vigorously and strain into a tall glass with ice. Garnish with 3 blackberries (one for each crown, natch).
The Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, founded in 1812, is a National Historic Landmark with strong ties to horseracing. It was selected as the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and as we can personally attest, it also makes a mean mint julep. Check out the BBTC cocktail and more in the gallery.
On Saturday, renowned French champagne house Veuve Clicquot staged the first polo match in Manhattan in 70 years. The match, between two North American Polo League (NAPL) teams - Ralph Lauren's Black Watch, captained by Polo model Nacho Figueras, and Asprey's Skeeterville, captained by Will Johnston - was played on Governor's Island, the 172-acre former Army base on Manhattan's southern tip. New York is often cited as the birthplace of American polo c.1876, and Army officers played the sport on Governor's Island until just before the onset of World War II in 1941. Black Watch bested Asprey 10 - 6 in the inaugural match of the Veuve Cliquot Manhattan Polo Classic. Veuve Clicquot has long supported polo in Europe, and since last year other parts of the U.S. as well, such as the Greenwich Polo Club in Connecticut.
The other day my colleague Deidre Woollard reported on Chivas Regal's luxurious Father's Day travel package, which costs $117,000. If you prefer single malt Scotch and you're looking for something a little more over-the-top - and you have $500,000 to spend on dear old dad - Scotland's preeminent luxury travel agency Dream Escape has partnered with Classic Malts Selection, the prestigious portfolio of single malts, to create the Ultimate Scotland Experience.
The six-day journey for five guests begins with a private jet trip to the exclusive Myres Castle in Fife, followed by a lavish dinner featuring select single malt whiskies from the Classic Malts Selection, like Talisker, Oban, Cragganmore and Dalwhinnie. Day two kicks off with golf at the famed St. Andrews. Day three includes a helicopter ride to Islay, home of our favorite smoky single malts. Day four features a trip to the Isle of Skye. Day five finds you at the magnificent Corrour Lodge nestled in the Scottish Highlands. Day six kicks off with a drive through the dramatic landscape in your choice of a Ferrari, Aston Martin or Lamborghini (as pictured above).
The festivities culminate in the ultimate food and whisky pairing dinner prepared by three of the country's best chefs. Then it's back home via private jet. Contact Dream Escape's David Tobin at ultimatescotland@dreamescape.co.uk for booking info.
Carmel Valley Ranch, the California retreat set on a stunning parcel of 400 lush acres with views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, just finished the final phase of an elegant $12 million makeover with the opening of a branch of acclaimed Washington, D.C. eatery Citronelle. Among the many improvements are a remodeled main Lodge and a refurbished Pete Dye-designed 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse. CVR's 144 suites - that's 2.7 acres per suite, by the way - take advantage of the dramatic setting with a refined country aesthetic, many featuring wraparound decks and wood-burning fireplaces. Chef Michel Richard's Citronelle serves light, modern French cuisine "infused with locally grown ingredients and produce for a uniquely Californian twist." See the gallery for more.
Charityfolks.com is auctioning off a chance to meet David Beckham at an LA Galaxy Game! Additional prize loot includes hotel and airfare, a meet-and-greet and photo op with David Beckham, a David Beckham autographed jersey, 2 VIP field seats to the game and a pregame tour of the stadium! The money earned from the auction benefits the Hattie B. Cooper Community Center. Located in one of Boston's poorest neighborhoods, the Cooper Community Center provides high-quality early education programs that encourage self-esteem, confidence, leadership and learning to at risk youth. Bidding is currently at $10,000 and is open until June 4th. What an amazing opportunity to help kids and attend a game in VIP style, I wonder if Posh will be there?
Serena Williams has a fancy pair of tennis earrings and now Maria Sharapova, the top-ranked women's tennis player has her own jewelry deal. Sharapova has inked a deal with Tiffany & Co.She will wear Tiffany designer Elsa Peretti's Wave earrings in 18K gold at the French Open, May 25-June 8, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris. Tiffany will also accessories her custom French Open tennis dress. The "Paris dress," by Nike is a 1920s-inspired design with contrasting chalk white satin ribbons and double layered pleated skirt. The dress is finished with a Tiffany pearl button closure that fastens at the back of the dress. The deal extends for the next two years and will cover the four Grand Slam Tennis events: The French Open, Wimbledon, and the US and Australian Open. During each event, Ms. Sharapova will wear Tiffany earrings that will be sold at Tiffany & Co. stores around the world as the Tiffany for Maria Sharapova collection.
Two of the very last shotguns ever produced by 200-year-old London luxury goods firm Asprey were sold at Christie's in London Wednesday for over $120,000. The exceptionally exquisite firearms, included in the auction house's Fine Sporting Guns and Rifles sale, "mark the end of a tradition of impeccably executed gun craft," Christie's notes. Asprey, supplier to the aristocracy and longtime holder of Royal Warrants, closed its gunrooms for good in 1996 shortly after these final pieces were made when the company was acquired by Prince Jefri of Brunei. Prince Charles and George Bush both own Asprey shotguns similar to the ones featured in the sale.
Although Asprey guns are a thing of the past, Asprey scion William Asprey is carrying on the family's sporting tradition at his new firm, William & Son. As we reported previously, he is not allowed to use the Asprey name in trade. William opened his own gunroom at his company's Mayfair premises and is now selling equally impressive pieces. Also hammered down in the Christie's sale were a pair of 12-bore double-barreled shotguns made by Holland & Holland in 1976, for $118,000; a 1969 .375 magnum double-barreled rifle, also by Holland & Holland, for $94,000; a double-barreled 1906 sporting rifle by Purdey, for $31,000; and a modern 12-bore Beretta shotgun, $16,000, all with beautiful engraving and woodwork.
Since it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, the annual 
In celebration of Big Brown's 
