San Zulian church a medieval gem hidden away behind a white facade in Venice. Tommaso Rangone was a generous benefactor to the embellishment of this church. Inspired by their archives,  Bevilaqua suppliers to the Vatican. Bevilaqua’s Giardino cut velvets, hanging in panels  contribute to the dramatic Baroque decor, with impressive marble statues,portraits & gilded lamps.  Courtesy Bevilaqua.Sara Artuso.

Venice. Facade of the Santa Maria del Giglio church. Originally built in the 10th century, the church was destroyed twice by fire. Facade of the church also known as the Santa Maria Zobenigo whose facade was funded by Antonio Barbero. photo copyright Giovanni call Orto.

Anna Paola Cibin’s embroidered shimmering velvet fish, sea Bream…..re-embroidered with Murano glass pearls……

Anna Paola Cibin’s elaborate  fishes float above Bevilaqua’s Palazzo terrace on the Grand Canal, Venice.

Anna Paola Cibin’s fishes painted onto velvet, re-embroidered with Murano glass beads.

Bevilaqua velvets, history & contemporary brilliance of Venetian fabrics. Archives are frequently used as inspiration to replace the antique fabrics in old Baroque  churches & palazzos.

de Grisogono extraordinary contemporary jewellery. Launched the original black diamond jewellery range that surprised the World.

de Grisogono.

de Grisogono

Berlin born Ines Kouidis. Featured by Saatchi Art.”Who’s hot in Berlin”  A series of extravagantly attractive collages.      Ines Kouidis , “Italians do it Better” $7500. Prints from $140.

Berlin born Ines Kouidis. Collage presented by Saatchi Art. “Who’s hot in Berlin” selection. sold

Italy in the summer. Martina Franca a fascinating medieval hill top town in the Puglia has a popular opera festival, Festival della Valle d’Itria, 12-31 July 2014. Fairytale Palazzo Ducale with its Baroque facade that dates from 1688. With exquisite interiors designed by Domenico Canella 1771-1776. Summer in the Puglia, vineyards, olive groves & local Trulli houses.

Dolce & Gabbana shimmers down the Milan catwalk s/s 14. Italian designer team Dolce & Gabbana continue to enchant their followers with their beautiful collections.

DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 14

DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 14

DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 14

DOLCE & GABBANA S/S 14

DOLCE & GABBANA AD CAMPAIGN S/S 14

DOLCE & GABBANA AD CAMPAIGN S/S 14

Judith Blacklocks Flower school in Knightsbridge is a charming place to learn flower arranging for those special occasions.

ARQANA. Under the aegis of His Highness the Prince Aga Khan, a great horse breeder, & owner, Arqana Racing Club is a prime mover in the Horse Breeding & racing at Deauville. To celebrate Arqana’s first anniversary they have announced the launch of a new Racing stable syndicate, the Omnium Racing Club. The Public who are interested in owning a race horse can be inspired by the racing at Deauville. A 2 hours train journey from the Gare Saint Lazare in Paris. Deauville’s summer season will soon be under swing, and race goers will be able to enjoy the two delightful race courses & excellent horse racing & Polo, in this charming Normandy seaside resort.

Courtesy of Kallos. New Greek Antiquities Gallery opening on Mayfair’s Davies Street London, 15th May 2014.The inspiration of Germano/Swiss entrepreneur & collector,Lorne Bornemisza-Thyssen de Kaszon. 4 generations of collectors, his late Father Heinrich’s stupendous Old Master Collection is now housed at the prestigious Palaccio de Villahermosa in Madrid. Kallos meaning Beautiful in Greek will specialise in Ancient Greek Antiquities. We have featured here a gilt silver roundel (3-1st century B.C.) Illustrating an eagle gripping Zeus thunderbolt.Hellenic East Greek.courtesy Kallos.Bornemisza-Thyssen.