Entries Tagged 'Art and Culture' ↓

The Cultured WIFE: Valentino, Master of Couture

This major new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Valentino showcases over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow in an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House. Divided into three sections; visitors start with a private view of Valentino’s world through photographs from his personal archive, offering an intimate portrait of the life of the master. The exhibition then unfolds into a couture fashion show where roles are reversed with visitors walking the catwalk to view a staggering one hundred and thirty Valentino haute couture designs. Valentino: Master of Couture is a journey into the secretive world of Italian couture.

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The Cultured WIFE: Contemporary Art Auctions

Auction Season is currently in effect and over the next week Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips de Pury will be hosting their evening and day sales of contemporary art. All week long I have been posting articles on THE WIFE ranging from “Auction Etiquette” to “Investing in Art,” here’s your opportunity to put all that great advice to work.  The previews are currently under way and up for the taking are priceless pieces by: Rothko, Pollack, De Kooning and Warhol. Admittance to the evening auctions are generally by ticket only and you will need to call ahead. Happy bidding wives and here’s to your ever growing art collections! Click “Continue Reading” for auction house schedules – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

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The Cultured WIFE: Paddle 8

Paddle8 is an online destination that offers international collectors access to a selection of works from the world’s leading galleries, foundations, and art fairs. Complimented by editorial projects, Paddle8 members can navigate the market and enhance their own personal knowledge. For galleries, Paddle8 provides the opportunity to amplify outreach to potential clientele and offers a suite of tools and services designed to ease the sales process.

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10 Tips for THE WIFE: Investing in Art

10 Tips for Investing in Art or, How to Become an Undercover Raider of the Art Market

Ladies (and gentlemen for the house-husbands out there). The art world might sound like a pretty glamorous place, with occasional trips to London, Miami and Switzerland the norm. And where better to show off the $10 million you just made than a Christie’s saleroom? It’s all very jet set. But let’s be honest, you can only take so many social gatherings in white cubes under supermarket lights. Museums hurt your feet. And Oscar Wilde said it: All art is quite useless! It does, however, have one redeeming defect: you can make money out of it.

Articles on art investment usually drone on with a spiel of “volatile market, don’t bank on making money,” and “just buy what you like.” Others serve up banalities like “buy low and sell high” and “diversify.” Sometimes you even get “take a recreational interest in art.” But you’ve looked at art for long enough. You want to make some money out of it! So read on for advice on making big bucks out of contemporary art. – Gabriel Butu for THE WIFE

1. Seduce a museum curator. Making money out of contemporary art is all about spotting young artists that curators like. Museum exhibitions boost artists’ careers — and prices — the most. By the time a museum show goes live however, it’s probably too late. Others will have beaten you to it. So getting the heads-up early is key. That exhibition pipeline is your ticket to smart buying decisions. So do what you have to do.

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10 Tips for THE WIFE: Auction Etiquette

Every WIFE should be well versed in auction etiquette whether your preferred auction house be Sotheby’s, Phillips de Pury or Christie’s. If you’re an avid collector chances are you are likely in the know with the key points below. However if you are new to world of auction houses, it can be a bit overwhelming. Here is guide to make your buying and bidding experience simple and seamless. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE

1. CATAOLGUES: Choose the auction house of your liking and request a catalouge. If you’re a new collector you can subscribe to catalogues, but they will most likely cost you (Sotheby’s are $106.00 each, Christie’s $50.00 and Phillips de Pury $35.00). However if you are a regular collector they send them to you free of charge. If you’re looking to avoid paying for catalogues try browsing their e-cataolgues online. Also register your email for updates on upcoming sales in the specific catagory of your choosing.

2. AUCTION TERMS: Whether you are looking to buy or sell fine art, jewelry, antiques or other valuable properties, both buyers and sellers should know the glossary of terms and steps to ensure ownership of a desired object or a successful sale. Here is the Glossary of Terms.

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