How did you get into fashion Julia?
My mother was a textile designer, so I grew up with an awareness of fabrics, colours, patterns and the allure of clothing…

What was the inspiration for Fashionvilla Marbella?
We are German, but we had a family home here in Marbella, and we had the idea to create a unique multi-brand experience for women living in and visiting Marbella. We wanted to offer women beautiful clothes that were not from the high street, or high fashion either – a happy half-way, and items you can’t find in other stores!  That was 7 years ago!

What makes fashion in Marbella different?
Because of the amazing climate, and the sunlight, people in Marbella tend to wear brighter colours – and the style is generally dress up, rather than dress down.  At cocktails and launches in northern Europe, jeans and boots are seen, but here it’s cocktail dresses.  Galas however, in Germany, are much more formal than here!

Can you describe an average day in your Fashionvilla world?
My days – and timetables vary enormously – which is great, no boring routines for me!
Sometimes I am up at 6am doing paperwork and planning outfits for my shows, searching the web for new brands and accessories. Then I have fittings with models, attend to clients during our normal opening hours, and then more often or not I have social engagements in the evenings – our own Fashionvilla events, charity dos, dinners, etcetera – nights at home are rare for me!

What is your personal fashion weakness?
I just love jackets – I have to keep buying them – blazers, military style, classic, edgy:
A good jacket can totally make an outfit!

What do you just love about Fashionvilla?
It is simply wonderful to help other women fulfill their dreams – you can see their confidence grow when they find the right outfit- change your style, change your life – it is so true!  Also, many of my lovely clients have become special friends – which is fabulous!

What does fashion contribute to our lives?
Look good – feel good!  Fashion gives women confidence and an outfit can totally change a woman’s body image.  A simple accessory can transform an old dress or suit into something really fashionable.  Fashion is a kind of magic wand to transform people, moods and add fun and colour to life!

What are your top 3 recommended fashion buys this season?
I would have to say animal print, outdoor jackets and blazers… there I go with the jackets again!  And slim fit trousers in black or camel… eternally elegant.  Oh!  And let’s not forget fur!  A fur hat, gloves, scarf or bag – that is a must this winter!

What is your ultimate fashion fantasy?
I am a big fan of Georgio Armani, so I would love to be involved in an Armani fashion show  – that would be a dream!
Fashionvilla currently has fantastic winter looks at sales prices…

Call Julia on Tel:   696 424 388

Checkout the new website, www.fashionvillamarbella.com

Marbella and Malaga are great for shopping, but if you want the full-on retail therapy experience in the run up to Christmas, then head to Madrid and shop ’til you drop. From the pijo paradise of Calle Serrano, to funky Fuencarral, whatever your tastes and budget, Madrid is shopping heaven. Report:  Louise Cook Edwards  Photography: Brands & Gary Edwards

Madrid, if you do not know Spain’s capital, is a city that manages to be cool, friendly, fashionista and classic all that the same time. Famed for its vibrant night-life, late night summer terraces and hedonistic spirit, when it comes to shopping, Madrid certainly doesn’t disappoint. In the age old, bright lights big city tradition, Madrid is a buzzing metropolis filled with breathtaking buildings, magical cityscapes, and iconic attractions which serve as an alluring backdrop to some good old retail therapy.

From the pijo paradise of Calle Serrano, to funky Fuencarral, whatever your tastes and budget, Madrid is shopping heaven. No provincial capital can ever compete with the shopping opportunities afforded by the capital city – and as Spaniards were recently voted the coolest nation in Europe, you can officially call Madrid the capital of cool. Commonly known as the biggest urban shopping area in southern Europe, there are even shopping and gourmet tours you can take to squeeze the maximum retail value out of your flying visit to Madrid.

Sophisticated City Shopping

But for those who like to pound the pavements freestyle, in search of shopping mecca,  Calle Serrano is a great place to start to get you in the madrileño mood.  Forming the hubb of Madrid’s most exclusive neighbourhood, the Barrio Salamanca, this area is home to all the finest designer names, art and antique shops, and the finest brands in the world.  In Serrano you will find international superstars such as  Prada, Ferragamo, Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent, along with Spain’s most celebrated home-grown fashion brands including Loewe, Manolo Blahnik, Carolina Herrera, Carrera & Carrera and Roberto Verino – all huge brands outside the Iberian peninsula. Serrano is also home to one of Zara’s flagship stores – the high street giant started with humble origins in Galicia, and is now in approximately 100 countries worldwide.

C/. Serrano is a wide avenue, buzzing with traffic, and home to the classic Spanish clique, los pijos, here you will see more well-groomed girls and slick hair señores per square metre than anywhere else in Spain.  With a Sloaney English country style, pijos are always immaculate, and shopping for well-cut conservative clothing is high on their list of priorties.

Together with C/ Serrano, neighbouring street, C/. José Ortega & Gasset forms part of Madrid’s Golden Mile. Also brimming with first class brands such as  Chanel, Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Escada and Hermes, so this privileged neighbourhood is designed for the well-heeled shopper who doesn’t mind paying the premium for the latest in designer fashions. This is also the street to find a flagship Lladró store, if you are passionate about Spain’s most famous brand of decorative porcelain figurines. You’ll find Lladró at C/ Serrano 68.

Peppered with chic cafes and bars, in Calle Serrano you can make a day of it, stopping for lunch and coffee breaks as the mood takes you. There is also a branch of Spanish department store El Corte Inglés, where you will find plenty of designer buys, and a very good perfumeria.

Urban Street Style

New and exciting on the retail scene is the bustling pedestrianized shopping area forming a triangle between the Gran Vía, Corrdera Baja de san Pablo and Calle Fuencarral. Funkier, edgier and aimed at a younger, trendier crowd, this area is brilliant for low-key urban chic, with plenty of jeans stores – such as Diesel, Replay and Levi’s, along with colourful grunge from Desigual, and the latest in trainers from The Puma Store, Adidas and Foot Locker. There are plenty of quirky clothes stores, and great accessories around  -especially in C/ Corredera Baja de San Pablo, with La Tienda de Lolita, Femisa Objetos-Perdidos with some vintage items to be had at Biba Vintage on C/ Velarde, 1.   Also in this neighbourhood  at Fuencarral, 27 is is a fantastic Swedish sweet shop Oomuombu. A  superior chuchería, this candy store lists the ingredients of all sweets, and also serves frozen yogurt.

Close to the funky Fuencarral triangle, you will reach Chueca, also a trendy patch of 21st century Madrid.  Peppered with boutiques, shops, trendy little hotels and restaurants, this area was once a gay stronghold, but has mellowed into a melange of styles and themes. English jewellery designerKaren Hallam has her studio in Plaza Chueca, nearby is trendy T-shirt emporium, El Tintero in C/ Gravina, while Aldaba in C/ Belen 4 is a haven of household gems.

The historical part of the city centre is, as you might expect, populated with many souvenir shops and tourist traps, but it certainly merits a visit.  In the Plaza Mayor itself is an historical sombrería, or hat shop named La Favorita where you can pick up a genuine fedora, o sombrero  de fieltro o cordobés…  The Plaza Mayor is beautiful at Christmas and is peppered with stalls selling Christmas trees, trinkets and traditional figurines for the Belén, or decorative Nativity Scenes that you find in homes  all around Spain.  You will also enjoy the inviting aroma of roasted chestnuts sold all over the city centre throughout the chilly Madrid winter.

Close to the centre is the famous Rastro – the flea market to end all flea markets. This one stretches out across a whole neighbourhood of Madrid south of the Plaza Mayor. Every Sunday – and  also on public holidays.  Here you will also find antique shops  selling among other things,  great art deco finds.

A Classic Hotel for Christmas (or pre Christmas) in Madrid

The fabulous Gran Hotel Conde Duque is an atmospheric hotel in which to spend some time Christmas shopping – during the coming Puente de la Constitución 3-6th December 6th is a public holiday), or to have a memorable Christmas getaway in Madrid.  With double rooms from a reasonable 80 euros a night, this is one luxurious place to stay for service, style and value for money.   The Gran Hotel Conde Duque has a fantastic offer in the pre-Christmas period, particularly for culture vultures.  They are offering a special package which includes a two night stay for two, two buffet breakfasts (one of the best in town!) and two tickets for the Russian Imperial Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker – at the nearby Compac Theatre on the Gran Vía, all for an incredible 130€.

Centrally located close to C/ Princesa  and the Gran Vía, the Gran Hotel Conde Duque is a haven of comfort, style and good service.  You can also opt to use the services of the hotel’s personal shopper – or take one of three tempting tapas routes  – with a guide – through different neighbourhoods of Madrid.

For further details or reservations please see www.hotelcondeduque.es or call Tel: 91447 7000.

For a full report on the hotel, one of marbellas.com’s favourites in the capital, don’t miss our complete review right here Hotel Conde Duque Madrid on marbellas

One of the longest established real estate companies in Marbella, Casa Marbella celebrate 30 years of recession-busting success. Photography  ©Gary Edwards

Few are the companies that rack up an impressive 30 years of trading – and even less so in Marbella, a cosmopolitan melting pot where many businesses are unfortunately set up with a boom or bust mentality. All the more reason for Wolfgang Schlesier to be celebrating the enduring success of his real estate agency Casa Marbella, one of just a handful of property companies in the area with a long history of steady success in a competitive industry in which true professionals stand out.

Three Decades of Success
With offices bookending Marbella in Elviria and San Pedro de Alcántara, Casa Marbella has been purveying properties to a local and international clientele  for three decades, and to celebrate a job well done, managing director Wolfgang Schlesier and his partner Xusan Teo held an  upbeat  party for colleagues, clients friends and well-wishers at top Marbella Thai restaurant, Thai Gallery.
Among the guests were tourism councillor Jose Luis Hernández, gallerist Shahed Kavousi, Architect Pablo Villarroel with his wife Claudia, Mandarin Tutor Yingying Hu, Architect Pablo Mena Owens and his wife Llanos, Silvia & Rui Carlos Conceicao and many well-known Marbella personalities.

Celebrating with Style
Over two hundred guests enjoyed a champagne reception along with a homage to Casa Marbella
as told by comperes Mugge Fischer and Oscar Horacio, with a thank you speech from Casa Marbella boss, Wolfgang.  This was followed by a fabulous catwalk show by Julia Rep of Fashion Villa. Showcasing an advance selection of winter wonders – including cosy fur-edged parkas, funky leopard print gabardines, 80s inspired red and black outfits, shimmering sequined cocktail dresses and inspired outfits for  bride and “groom.”  An acrobatic dancer wowed the crowd with a display of fascinating flexibility.

Following the formalities and fashion segment, special guests sat down to a sumptuous Thai meal from the legendary chefs at Thai Gallery.

www.casamarbella.com

Fashion may be a fast-moving, here-today-gone-tomorrow kind of world, but nothing could be further from the truth for one of Marbella’s leading fashion gurus, Argentinian empresaria, Patricia Nahmad. Louise Cook Edwards reports. Photography: Gary Edwards

Fashion shows, client fittings, next season’s collections, charity events, radio chat shows and her adored family, Patricia Nahmad always has a million and one matters to attend to. But unlike other people who employ an army of minions to fall back on, Patricia has simply mastered the art of multi-tasking like no-one else, and despite her packed agenda, she always manages to exude a feeling of being cool, calm, collected and totally in control.

Call it good karma, or simply exhaustive organization, but Patricia Nahmad’s ability to juggle her commitments with consummate ease makes her a honeypot for Marbella’s buzzing social butterflies eager to find the perfect little black, white or multi-coloured dress to wear at the latest cocktail party, charity lunch or black tie gala dinner.

A Seasoned Professional

With a career in fashion spanning a couple of decades, Patricia Nahmad’s fashion empire has not been built overnight. For ten years, Patricia has been bringing elegant, unique and flattering fashions from Italy, France and Turkey to Marbella twice a year.

Patricia’s relaxed yet expert manner has made her a favourite with women who prefer their prêt-â-porter to have the personal touch.

“I know my clients so well, that I can surprise them with the perfect outfit just when they need it…For me, fashion does not begin with the latest trends and styles, it starts with a woman’s personal tastes and what best suits her figure. I know my clients’ tastes and the cuts that will make them look and feel sensational – it’s not about wearing the “in” colour or a certain hemline. Of course my clothes reflect the latest trends, but I don’t encourage people to wear them slavishly.”

With a small and private atelier in her central Marbella home, Patricia’s clients frequently drop in for tea, a girly chat and to casually browse through her latest irresistible pieces.

Her collections span everything from urban daywear, through more structured two-pieces to the full-on glamour of Marbella nights with a dramatic selection of drop-dead gorgeous evening dresses. Knowing her clientele personally gives Patricia the edge, a she has developed the knack of picking out styles that look made to measure, and nothing gives a woman more confidence than a knockout dress that fits every curve.

Benefits & Bollywood

Patricia’s studio is awash with bright and bold pieces, all labelled and set out in order for a full-on fashion extravaganza. The Wish List Foundation is holding a charity lunch at newly opened, oriental style spa hotel, Shanti-Som. In keeping with the Asian theme, the lunch will be a Bollywood style extravaganza, complete with Bollywood dancers, bindis and blessings…

The occasion will be a perfect showcase for Patricia Nahmad’s summer collections. “Our urban day wear features a rainbow of bright block colours and bold oriental prints, shimmering sequinned kaftans along with a few chic 50s inspired numbers, all in cotton, silks and muslins. “Some of the models will be wearing sunglasses, and fascinators – the show will be an explosion of colour and inspiration,” reveals Patricia, adding that there will be a fantastic raffle to raise more funds for the Wish List children’s charity.

As we leave the atelier, Patricia is making an appointment with a client on her mobile, and two more ladies are sitting on a sofa patiently waiting their turn with Marbella’s favourite fashion confidante. She hands out information about the Champions Against Hunger Gala, another of Patricia’s worthy causes coming up on 16th June, with Real Madrid football club among the sponsors… it’s all in a day’s work for Patricia Nahmad…

Marbella has always been known as a glitz and glamour destination, and in a few weeks time, the town is about to turn up the volume on its reputation as the Mediterranean’s “king of bling”… Louise Cook Edwards reports

With more brands per square metre in Puerto Banús than even Spanish superstar cities Madrid and Barcelona, fashion is the key feature of the Marbella Luxury Weekend, taking place in the resort from 2-5 June.

With brands such as  Chloe, Missoni, Bvlgari, Dior, Burberry, Cartier, Chopard, Gucci and Jimmy Choo all lining the wharf of the famous pleasure port, central to the much anticipated event is a giant catwalk located on the port’s main jetty – close to the moorings of the superyachts.  Here models will sashay down the runway  sporting a selection of the latest creations by the world’s giants of fashion.  Some of the brands will also have individual marquees set out on the wharfs in which they can create their own individual worlds of fashion and glamour in which to wow the public and a number of VIP guests and celebrities gathering in the resort for the occasion.

High Octane Fashion

Two leading figures of Spain’s high society were in attendance at the at a recent press conference to announce the event,  Cartier’s head of communication in Spain, Simoneta Gómez Acebo, a member of the Spanish royal family, and  the “face” of Marbella Luxury Weekend, Princess Beatrice d’Orleans, formerly an ambassador of the house of Dior in Spain. Marbella Mayor, Mª Angeles Muñoz expressed her thanks to all involved, and praised the tremendous effort being made by more than 30 brands to bring this event together.

Marbella’s Councillor for Tourism, José Luis Hernández was proud to unveil the project – which has been long in the making. He expects the Marbella Luxury Weekend to showcase the qualities which set the resort apart from other tourist destinations around Europe. Certainly Puerto Banús ranks as one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain, with several million visitors a year sampling the designer shopping, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, along with unbeatable people watching opportunities.

The event also has the support of the Marbella Centre for Tourist Initiatives (CIT) whose president, Juan José González, sees it as “a fantastic opportunity to promote the city” which is one of the main objectives of the CIT on behalf of the business community. Similarly the Vice-president of Puerto Banus expressed his delight that “The port and its facilities had been chosen as the setting for this event”.

A Quality Guarantee

Less than a year since Marbella’s reputation was reinforced by the visit of Michelle Obama for her summer vacation, and the Starlite Gala, attended by such stellar personalities as Eva Longoria and Antonio Banderas, the Marbella Luxury Weekend focused on fashion, trends and everything that shines, could be the event that makes the perfect “hat trick” to firmly cement Marbella’s reputation as a quality international resort.

Fashion lovers should beat a hasty path to Malaga Plaza where personal stylist Carola Toca is dispensing invaluable fashion tips at the mall’s very own fashion week… says marbellas.com.

For the third consecutive year, Malaga Plaza shopping centre is holding a fun Fashion Week, so it’s a great time for fashionistas to head to the village style mall, just east of Malaga, for free fashion advice and a taste of what the new season’s style will bring.

Showroom Style

Plaza Mayor has created a showroom ambience in which to show off the bright and breezy new styles from the 2011 Spring/ Summer collections now in the various stores and boutiques.

With everything from dresses, jackets, suits and complete outfits to, shoes, accessories, etcetera, fashion lovers can view a taster of the season’s new trends on a catwalk which has been set up inside the mall for the event.

The Plaza Mayor event is designed to give shoppers a lifestyle experience of fashion in a glamorous and elegant atmosphere.

Personal Stylist

The client can enjoy free personalized fashion advice and personal styling by effervescent personal shopper and stylist, Carola Toca.

Carola Toca lives in Marbella, where she works as a successful Image Fashion Consultant, offering services such as Personal Style Evaluation, Image Consulting, Personalized Attention, Wardrobe Analysis and Makeover. With her fresh, youthful enthusiasm and expertise, Carola is revolutionizing the wardrobes of some of Marbella’s most famous faces.

As Carola Toca says:  In today’s fast-paced world, more than ever, it is important to look good. Our image is our personal “calling card”, and looking good is an important part of feeling confident and good about ourselves. With our busy lives, work and family commitments, meetings, clients and social events, we are often short of time to dedicate to our own image.

That’s where Carola Toca Personal Shopper comes in… By helping you take charge of your image, and filling in the gaps in your wardrobe, she can help you with effortless dressing, giving you more time to devote to yourself.

Log on to www.carolatoca.com for more ideas on how to dress for your body type along with a host of other invaluable fashion tips.  Fashion Week runs every day at Plaza Mayor from 12.30- 9pm daily until Saturday 7^th May.

The Marbella Club Restaurant Grill re-opened recently with a new Menu and a winter’s tale fashion parade by designer Patricia Namad. marbellas.com reports…

An absolute classic among the great and the good, the Marbella Club Grill has played host to countless dinners and celebrations over the years, and continues to be an integral part of the hotel’s fine gastronomic reputation, along with the sublime beach club buffet and the more recent success, of the trendy tastes on offer at the ultra urbane MC Café.

Around 200 people came out to enjoy the cocktail party which marked the news of the revamped Grill Restaurant.  The hotel’s celebrated “host with the most” Count Rudi Von Shönburg and Princess Marie Louise of Prussia were there to meet and greet, along with the hotel’s management and PR team.

Along with  a selection of canapés and drinks, the guests who included Jimmy and Vicki Rhodes, Bennon Nicholas and Mary Dunne, Alex Clover, Kristina Szekely and Andrew Forbes were treated to a fashion show of finest furs in the latest autumn winter collection of Marbella- based, Argentinian fashion queen, Patricia Nahmad.

In a matter of hours, the historic Casco Antiguo, or Old Town Marbella seduced America’s first lady, Michelle Obama, during her recent stay. Not surprising really, what’s not to love?, says marbellas.com…

Optimism is flowing through the veins of the business community in the Casco Antiguo, or Old Town, Marbella following the surprise visit to her quaint cobbled streets by none other than America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama last summer. Bringing back a touch of “chic” to polish up Marbella’s image, the Obama factor seems to have done the trick, and many Old Town empresarios reported that this was their best summer in years with visitors flooding in from all corners of the globe – including Americans, naturally.

It would be rare not to succumb to the Old Town’s charms. A heady blend of history, romantic meandering cobbled streets, churches, markets, an endless stream of irresistible shops, quirky bars and a vast choice of restaurants, along with the alluring scent of orange blossom… the Old Town is Marbella at its best, a picture postcard setting in which to experience a feast for the senses. (How Marbella Seduced Mrs. Obama).  And far from being a tourist trap, the Old Town is the one place to feel the true beating heart of the fishing village turned cosmopolitan international resort.

Ten Quirky Facts about Marbella’s Old Town

1. Orange Square dates back to the Spanish Reconquest and was built in 1485.

2. The Old Town is home to more than 200 shops…

3. Mrs. Obama’s party of 14 asked for 10 separate bills after dining at Restaurante Buenaventura.

4. Popular tapas bar, El Estrecho dates back to 1954. Take a tapas tour and enjoy a real taste of the Old Town.

5. Head to Calle Huerta Chica and discover smart cookery shop Cuisine Paraiso – a recently opened gem.

6. You can enjoy a rooftop breakfast at delightful boutique hotel The Townhouse.

7. The Old Town is a haven for shoe addicts, with around 15 shoe shops… who’s counting?

8. You can see works of great artists including Picasso, Miró and Chillida in the Old Town, at the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo (the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings).

9. For an insight into the local culture hit the Mercado Municipal – and find a cornucopia of deliciously fresh produce…

10. Bored with Banús?, then hit the Calle Peral and discover the true Spanish nightlife vibe…

The Shops

Let’s start with a little retail therapy… The Old Town is one of Andalusia´s most beautiful  “open commercial centres” with more than 40 restaurants and 200 shops to offer. Here, you will find small, family-run businesses and shops, purveying originality, with many hand-made and bespoke goods on offer. Here are just a few of the gems sparkling on the sidewalks…

• The vintage Hermés bag or that Gucci belt you always wanted in the divine retro boutique Dejá Vu.
• The most beautiful collection of exclusive pashminas in every imaginable colour in Story 1961.
• An exceptional collection of top olive oils from various regions in Spain, cosmetics and gourmet-items  – all beautifully packaged – in D.Oliva.
• International fashion brands including Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Liu, Jo Jeans and Julie Sohn in the exclusive boutique K2
• Beautiful “old fashioned” toys such as puppets, doll houses, music boxes, authentic model airplanes, motors, rocking horses, in The Toy Shop
• Irresistible items for the discerning cook in a new shop Cuisine Paraiso.

There is no shortage of quaint little boutiques specializing in silver jewellery, or soaps, bags and accessories, hand-made shirts and so on… along with souvenir shops, satisfying the demands of the endless stream of tourists with cameras meandering through the streets of the Casco Antiguo..

Let’s Eat

The shop owners in the Old Town agree that the excellent choice of restaurants contributes enormously to the success of the Casco Antiguo.  The tried and tested favourites of the local foreign residents is a good place to start… Among them, people unanimously rate highly the Belgian run restaurant Zozoi, French bistro CasaNis and cosy Italian classic La Famiglia.

Known for fantastic tapas is El Estrecho …a classic since 1954. Also popular is La Niña del Pisto a new restaurant run by a family from Cordoba, offering “tapas del autor”. Also coming highly recommended is Stuzzikini a new reasonable restaurant offering Italian “slow food”…

Restaurante Cervantes in Plaza de los Naranjos is also a promising newcomer. Offering a modern twist on Spanish and International dishes, the monkfish on a bed of garlic is particularly memorable. Located across from the Town Hall, the restaurant offers views to the iconic Orange Square. A wood-burning stove makes for a cosy atmosphere for the winter.

A Brief History

The Old Town was once an Arab “medina”, which explains the maze of narrow, winding streets, allowing the visitor to stroll and be protected from the sun. Remainders of the old city walls and many more interesting historic sites can still be admired today. Orange Square was built in 1485, shortly after the Reconquista,.  For more insight into the historical heritage of Marbella , for 3 euros, you can pick up a booklet prepared by the Association of Trade and Commerce of the Casco Antiguo at  Calle Bermeja, 20.

What to Do…?

Apart from the churches, vestiges of Arab remains, galleries and museums, etcetera, there are many free events held in the Old Town throughout the year – (although sadly, the annual Feria in June has been relocated, and will never be quite so appealing). Regularly check out our calendar of events , and you will discover such delights as open air jazz, blues and soul concerts, festivals of dance and magic, British and Italian Festivals and exhibitions of paintings and photography, even outdoor fashion shows. For Spanish speakers there is children’s story-telling and Father Christmas greeting children in the Church Square over La Navidad.

Designer, florist and organiser of the Flower Ball, Tatiana Tridvornova, was the star of the show. Her intricate floral designs were sported by a number of gorgeous models from the Nueva Moda Agency including Elisa Guanich; winner of Spanish Linda of Spain 2010 beauty contest.

Flower power

Tatiana has been hosting the Flower Ball event since 1999 in Monaco and was the talent behind the Russian Musical Nights in Saint Tropez event in 2008. She also presented floral creations at the G8 in germany as well as winning the Luxury Brands Award as voted by the World Fashion Channel.

After an exquisite Gala Dinner, funky live band ‘D’Black’, whipped the crowds into a frenzy. As the champagne flowed, an amazing firework display added that extra sparkle to what was undoubtadely one of the most glitterati-studded events of this year.

Movers and shakers

Sponsors TOUT! Media, Alians Real Estate, Bentley, PSN Caviar, 24Karat Champagne, Grey Goose, Mac and Berrocal florists all attended the prestigious event, as well as guests from Russian and Spanish high society such as businessmen Vladmir Avetisyan, Mikhail Prokhorov and Mikhail Lisyansky.

Also amongst the high profile guests were beautiful Italian ex Cavalli model, Elizabeth Thompson, Mayor of Benahavís Mr. Jose Antonio Mena Castilla and the Deputy Mayor of Marbella, Mr. Miguel Troyano.

If the prestigious 5 star Ritz hotel, Villa Padierna, is good enough for the Obama family, it’s good enough for us – so on Thursday 16 September, we’ll be there to enjoy one of the most glam events on the coast this summer – with a touch of Russian spirit…

Flower power

The luxurious Villa Padierna, situated in the hills close to Benahavís, will resemble a fairytale palace as it hosts the 1st Marbella Flower Ball.

Fabulous floral compositions, will adorn the gorgeous 5 star hotel as well as as a number of familiar faces – from top celebrities, sports personalities and entrepreneurs to politicians and the créme de la créme of Russian high society gather together for a day to remember.

The ‘floral’ themed event was the brainchild of talented professional florist and designer, Tatiana Tridvornova. She has worked all over Europe, creating fabulous floral decorations and parades for high-brow events such as the G8 Summit in Germany, the popular ‘Musical Nights’ project in St-Tropez, the Millionaire Fair as well as gaining the Marcas le Lujo prize presented by the World Fashion Channel.

Have a ball

The event will be the first of its kind to take place in Marbella and will offer a similar ambience to the ‘Bal de Fleurs’ which has been hosted annually in Monaco since 2003.

Greeted by beautiful flower-clad girls, all guests will receive an exclusive keep-sake (floral bracelets for the ladies and boutonnieres for gentlemen), designed by Tatiana Tridvornova.

At 20:30, guests will then be shown to a special cocktail area in the magnificent Villa Padierna gardens, where a glass of champagne and black caviar will await.

Feast your eyes

Later in the day, over 400 guests will be seated in a special  outdoor dining area to indulge in an exquisite Gala Dinner, accompanied by a  programme of entertainment including music performed by a live band.

As the champagne flows and the scent of flowers fills the air in the evening, a fantastic flower-inspired firework display will woo the  crowds until the early hours, when a VIP after party will take place at one of Marbella’s most glitzy nightclubs.

For more information please call 952 908 007.