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Ghostface Killah Releases NFT

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Miami Art Week VIP event will feature WuTang Founder’s 1lb Gold Eagle Bracelet Now Melted into a Solid Gold Coin, Backed by NFT Video

Veteran Art Dealer Avery Andon, has launched a highly curated Art NFT platform and marketplace, ArtGrails. In an epic hip-hop power move, Andon, an artist manager and lifelong advisor to some of Hollywood’s most elite celebrities & art-collectors, has paired hip-hop legend and WuTang Clan founding member, Ghostface Killah, with world-renowned jeweler, Jason Arasheben, aka Jason of Beverly Hills.

The two have melted down Ghostface Killah’s “Golden Eagle Bracelet,” an iconic piece of hip-hop history, turning the one pound 24k solid gold bracelet into a giant one pound gold coin, minted as an NFT. The original was created by jeweler to the stars, Jason Arasheben, better known as Jason of Beverly Hills, whose clients include LeBron James, Drake, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mariah Carey, J-Lo, and more.

On November 30th, the coin and an NFT video of the bracelet being melted and minted, is available as one exclusive set (ultimately available to only one buyer) via auction on the ArtGrails platform. To kick off the launch of the platform and the beginning of Art Basel 2021, ArtGrails hosted an invite-only VIP viewing event, art show, and kick-off party on November 30th in the design district of Miami. No part of the exclusive ‘minting event’ video will be posted online by ArtGrails, leaving the auction winner the power to decide if the ultra-exclusive NFT-backed video becomes available for public viewing elsewhere.

Ghostface Killah’s solid 24k Gold Eagle Bracelet is an emblem of hip-hop history, and now, in a display that is quintessentially ‘2021’, someone other than Ghostface will be able to own the iconic WuTang member’s bling –– only in the form of a one-of-a-kind gold coin created from the melted bracelet. The coin comes with an NFT video featuring Ghostface and Jason of Beverly Hills melting the eagle bracelet and transforming it into the 1lb coin.

Arasheben has pushed the boundaries with an immutable impact on hip-hop history by eliminating one iconic piece and creating another. For the first time, his creation combines the tangible and digital world. Together, Ghostface Killah and Arasheben have taken performance art, the entire concept of ‘collectible jewelry’ and non-fungible token and smashed all barriers and preconceptions to create the one-of-a-kind set. The lucky auction winner will have the opportunity to work with Arasheben to further customize the coin in case a necklace chain or other custom mount is desired.

Avery Andon, the founder of ArtGrails, had the idea to pair Ghostface Killah with Jason of Beverly Hills for this legendary piece. He is the lead curator on the majority of the platform’s upcoming NFT drops, which feature equally compelling artists, celebrities, and collectibles. The ArtGrails’ ArtBasel event is a culmination of months of hard work by Andon, not only with the Ghostface project but also because he has had a large hand in creating and developing the technology behind ArtGrails.

“This auction features some of the most monumental custom NFTs ever created, which required a platform that provides a truly custom experience for delivering high-end art,” said Avery Andon, Founder and CEO of ArtGrails. “With NFTs en route to becoming an industry standard, ArtGrails pushes the industry forward, demonstrating that the future of fine art and collectibles goes beyond paper certificates of authenticity; therefore raising the standard for art buyers, owners, and dealers.”

The ArtBasel Miami kickoff party and VIP event on Friday, December 3rd represents a large milestone for ArtGrails. The pieces on display at the ArtBasel event will all be tangible wall pieces. The physical art will only be sold along with its accompanying NFT. It can not be resold or bought without the NFT, immutably tying the real world artwork to the blockchain ledger.

The singular 1:1 set made up of the Ghostface Killah Gold Coin and the NFT Video of the melting eagle bracelet will open for auction on ArtGrails beginning at 5:00PM EST on November 30th and will run until 5pm EST on December 5th. The coin and video will be on display in Miami for the duration of the time. The ArtGrails launch event will also showcase a pair of NFT 3D Illustrations that will be minted in limited numbers beginning on Monday, December 6th on the ArtGrails platform.

In addition to the Ghostface Killah NFTs and Coin, the event will feature other renowned NFT and contemporary artists including Cory Van Lew, Matt Gondek, Javier Martin, and Anthony James.

To learn more about ArtGrails and to participate in the online NFT auctions, please visit the ArtGrails website at ArtGrails.

About ArtGrails

ArtGrails is an NFT technology platform that aims to lead the market in high end, exclusive, luxury collectibles sold as NFTs. The high-touch, exclusive NFT platform has a hands-on approach to curating and selling contemporary art and believes in a future where every piece of art is tied to a unique NFT identifier, immutably tied to a blockchain.

U2 × THIERRY NOIR

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AN INSTALLATION IN CELEBRATION OF ACHTUNG BABY

HANSA STUDIOS, BERLIN: November 19 – 26

“[Achtung Baby]… U2’s daring descent into darkness” – Robert Hilburn, LA Times

Island Records, Interscope, and UMe announced the 30th Anniversary Edition release of U2’s seminal album Achtung Baby, which will see a special Standard and Deluxe vinyl release on November 19, ahead of a 50-track digital boxset available December 3, 2021.

Thirty years ago, Bono described Achtung Baby as “the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree” while Jon Pareles of the New York Times wrote that “stripped-down and defying its old formulas, U2 has given itself a fighting chance for the 1990’s”. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance and became one of the most significant records of the nineties and of U2’s career.

Recorded over six months at Hansa Studio in Berlin and Windmill Lane in Dublin, Achtung Baby is U2’s seventh studio album. Produced by long-time U2 collaborators Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno with Steve Lillywhite, Achtung Baby was engineered by Flood and released on November 18, 1991. Lead by The Fly, four other singles followed: Mysterious Ways, One, Even Better Than The Real Thing, and Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses. Watch HERE.

In celebration of Achtung Baby’s anniversary, the band have collaborated with Berlin-based French artist Thierry Noir (the first artist to paint on the Berlin Wall) for a special one-off installation at the legendary Hansa Studios in Kreuzberg. Thirty years ago, the band commissioned Noir to paint a series of now iconic Trabant cars, which featured on the album artwork, as well 1991’s Zoo TV Tour. U2 x THIERRY NOIR sees Noir return with a newly painted Trabant for 2021, as well as an exclusive mural painted on a section of the Berlin wall.

The bonnet of the Trabant will be auctioned at Phillips, London, on December 9, as part of their New Now sale, with proceeds going to the Berlin Institute for Sound and Music.

Achtung Baby (30th Anniversary Edition) is available on Standard black vinyl and Deluxe color vinyl on November 19, with Achtung Baby (2018 Remaster) and Achtung Baby (Unter Remixes) also available digitally that day. A 50-track digital boxset – to include Uber Remixes, Unter Remixes, B-Sides with 22 tracks never-before available digitally – will be released on December 3, 2021.

U2 X-Radio, the band’s SiriusXM channel, will this month present an Achtung Baby special to include interviews with band members and album collaboration Daniel Lanois, Flood, and Anton Corbijn.

ANTARA MOVIE OWNERS TO SELL RIGHTS VIA NFT

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In a groundbreaking move, film distributors must pay the owners of the Antara Movie NFT to distribute the film in theatres and streaming channels

Arabian Camels today announced the launch of an ‘Antara Movie NFT,’ that will grant buyers up to 50 percent of the intellectual property rights to “Antara,” a $50 million dollar feature film. Antara is based on the life of Antarah Ibn Shaddad, an ancient Arabian knight and poet, famous for his adventurous life. Prospective film distributors would pay the owners of the Antara Movie NFT to distribute the movie in theatres and/or streaming channels, tying the Arabian Camel community into millions of dollars worth of value in the real world. The NFT drop is anticipated this December.

The Arabian Camels envision merging Movies and NFTs with DeFi, Gaming, and the Metaverse, with a focus on community, extracting value from the booming transmedia space, and sharing the value entertainment properties with the Arabian Camel community.

“While other NFT projects were busy manipulating their floor price and buying up their own NFTs, the founder of Arabian Camels, stayed low key, quietly working on building long-term quality. The result is game-changing tokenomics and strategies that enable the Arabian Camels to define a new era of the movie business,” said Alexander Amartei, Producer of Antara, and inventor of Movie NFTs. “The Arabian Camels is the only NFT community that has managed to position itself uniquely between movies and NFTs. As a new pop culture brand, we are now ready to launch our movie strategy, gaming strategy, and token launch on major exchanges.”

Arabian Camels have also collaborated with Dominic Ryder, CEO of vEmpire, whose token has recently rocketed 1500 percent and reached a market cap of $100M. Dominic Ryder’s protocol is in the process of designing and creating the ANTARA Play-To-Earn game, which has already gotten the attention of very prominent VC firms. The multiplayer raiding game is expected to plant the Arabian Camels brand and the Antara IP firmly into the Metaverse, and add another layer of value for Arabian Camels holders. The game is set to bring fun and reliable income to thousands of players in developing countries and will run off a scholarship model. The Arabian Camels NFTs are now to be a commodity and have functionality within the game. In conjunction, they will also be launching their very own gaming token, the in-game currency that is set to be listed on major Cryptocurrency exchanges.

The production of the movie was meticulously put together with the help of professors of Arabic Literature from Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and the School of Oriental and African studies, meaning it’s not another Marvel. It has a very rich, intelligent, and powerful historical appeal. It was originally set to be shot in NEOM, Saudi Arabia, but Abu Dhabi, as a modern tech hub, has also shown a keen willingness to accommodate the production, to be credited as the ones that helped to bring this epic story to the world. The production team is currently assessing which of the Middle Eastern regions can offer the best incentives and working conditions for the production.

The story of Antara is reminiscent of both Alexander the Great and Romeo and Juliet, of the Middle East. His story has been told repeatedly for the past 1,500 years. He was a black slave in ancient/pre-Islamic Arabia, who won his freedom and became a lofty knight. He rose to stardom in the 5th century, not only due to his character and prowess on the battlefield but also, his miraculous talent as a poet. His poetry was held in such high regard, that it was actually sewn in gold, and suspended on the Kaaba in Mecca before the days of Islam. To this day, if one studies Arabic Literature in Oxford or Cambridge, the poetry of Antara is still studied and revered.

ABOUT ANTARA

Antara is a feature film directed by one of the most sought after Hollywood Directors, that covers the life and adventures of Antara Ibn Shaddad, a desert warrior from ancient pre Islamic Arabia. The film is the first big-budget film to be funded by an NFT, before its theatre and streaming debut, as well as the first NFT to facilitate this type of royalty sharing. As part of the ‘Antara IP’ a transmedia rollout, the film is a part of a franchise that includes 3 sequels, a crypto infused ‘Assassins Creed Styled’ multi-player game, a comic, and a strong brand with a long term merchandising and licensing strategy.

Christina Aguilera × 2021 People’s Choice Awards

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VOCAL POWERHOUSE CHRISTINA AGUILERA TO RECEIVE THE FIRST-EVER “MUSIC ICON” AWARD AND PERFORM AT THE 2021 “PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS”

Today, NBC and E! announced that Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera will receive the first-ever “Music Icon” award at the 2021 “People’s Choice Awards.” Becky G will present the award to Aguilera at the ceremony. The five-time PCA Award-winner will be honored for her contributions to the music industry and her illustrious career. The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! on Tuesday, December 7 at 9pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA.

In addition to receiving the award, Aguilera will take the “People’s Choice Awards” stage for the second time to perform a never-before-seen medley of her biggest songs, culminating in music from her highly-anticipated new Spanish-language album. This will be her first Spanish-language album in over 20 years, since the release of “Mi Reflejo” in 2000. Aguilera previously performed at the “People’s Choice Awards” in 2013 when she received the “People’s Voice” award.

“There is a reason Christina Aguilera is referred to as ‘the voice of our generation.’ She not only has an extraordinary voice, but as a creator, produces music that evokes true emotion and resonates across so many different demographics,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, Specials & E! News, NBCUniversal Entertainment Television and Streaming. “Christina is an idol and we cannot wait to celebrate her successes and present her with the inaugural ‘Music Icon’ award.”

Aguilera, renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs, has sold more than 43 million records worldwide and achieved five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the fourth female artist to ever top the chart for three consecutive decades. Aguilera has been honored with several accolades, including five Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, PCA “People’s Voice” Award, Glamour’s Woman of the Year, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She also holds the prestigious honor of being the only artist under the age of 30 to ever be included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest singers of all time.

The vocal powerhouse and producer made her big screen debut in 2010 with the hit film Burlesque starring alongside Cher. In 2011, Aguilera re-entered the world of television as a coach on NBC’s Emmy® Award-winning show The Voice. In 2018 she launched a sold-out residency in Las Vegas called The Xperience.

Outside of her music career, Aguilera uses her voice for good. In 2009, she became a global spokesperson for Yum! Brands’ World Hunger Relief and has since helped raise over $150 million for the World Food Program and other hunger relief agencies.

The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! for the first time on Tuesday, December 7 at 9:00pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA. “Live from E!: The 2021 People’s Choice Awards” will kick off the night with a red carpet special at 7:00pm ET/PT on E!. The “People’s Choice Awards” and “Live from E!: The 2021 People’s Choice Awards” are both produced by Den of Thieves with Executive Producers Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski.

BECKY G RELEASES COVER OF “BELLA CIAO”

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Global superstar Becky G releases her cover of “Bella Ciao”along with the music video via Kemosabe/RCA Records.

“Bella Ciao” has recently re-entered the pop culture zeitgeist as the unofficial anthem for the hit Netflix series La Casa De Papel (Money Heist). Originating from 19th Century Italy, the song first appears in Part 1 of the show and the character Tokyo recounts in the season’s finale, ”The Professor’s whole life revolved around one idea…Resistance. His grandfather, who had fought with the Resistance to defeat the fascists in Italy, taught him that song. And then…he taught us.”

As a fan of the show, Becky is thrilled to partner with Netflix on her cover of “Bella Ciao.” Her cover comes alongside a music video which pays homage to the show with the iconic red jumpsuit and mask and of course the bars of gold from the Bank of Spain. The video is directed by Megan Gamez (John Legend, Mario).

Part 5: Volume 2, the finale of the series, will premiere globally on Netflix on 12/3/21. More info on the final episodes below.

About, “Bella Ciao” and La Casa De Papel (Money Heist), Becky G says, “I have always loved ‘La Casa de Papel’ (’Money Heist’) and the way this show connected with millions of people across the world. “Bella Ciao” is an iconic song and marks an important moment in the series, so being asked to reimagine it and be a part of the Casa de Papel world is truly an honor. From recording the song to shooting the video, I hope everyone enjoys this cover as much as I do!”

ABOUT BECKY G:

Multiplatinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and activist Becky G was born for the spotlight and her multifaceted career is shaping up to be nothing short of iconic. The 24-year-old global superstar’s achievements include two number one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay Charts (“Mayores” & “Sin Pijama”), a starring role in “Power Rangers”, guest-starring in Fox TV’s Emmy-winning “Empire” series, her very own beauty brand Treslúce and Facebook Watch show “Face to Face with Becky G”.

She has toured alongside Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, J Balvin, Fifth Harmony and Jason Derulo and has recorded collabs with Daddy Yankee, Maluma, Anitta, Natti Natasha, ZAYN, Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Prince Royce, Pitbull and CNCO, among others.

Becky has won the American Music Award for Favorite Latin Female Artist two years in a row (2020 and 2021) and the E! People’s Choice Award for The Latin Artist of 2020. She was awarded the Latin AMA for Favorite Female Artist two years in a row (2018 and 2019) and received the Latin AMA for Favorite Urban Song (for “Mayores”) in 2018. She was also presented the YouTube Diamond Play Button for surpassing 10 million followers on the platform (she now has over 18M).

As the granddaughter of Mexican Immigrants, born and raised in Inglewood, California, Becky is no stranger to hardships and is passionate about her community. She uses her massive platform to speak out against inequality and raise awareness on social issues, including Black Lives Matter and DREAMers, and has made it a point to give back to her community along the way.

Becky garnered the Agent of Change award at the 2020 Premios Juventud (Latin Youth Choice Awards) for her activism and using her platform to inspire positive change. In 2019, she accepted the Extraordinary Evolution Award at the 2019 Latin American Music Awards for her success as a young performer who has reached the pinnacle of success in a short period of time. She has also been honored by the Latin Recording Academy as one of the Leading Ladies in Entertainment (2018) and by her home city of Inglewood, California for her contributions to the Hispanic community; she has been recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s “18 Teens Shaking Up Pop Culture” and one of Billboard’s “21 Under 21”.

The multitalented star has hosted a number of prestigious award shows throughout the years including the 2019 European Music Awards (MTV) and the Latin GRAMMY Ellas TV special. In 2020, she hosted and produced her “En La Sala” podcast with Amazon Music – live from her living room during the lockdown. With every episode, Becky donated $10K to a charity of her choice, and spoke to high-profile guests from Vice President-elect Kamala Harris about politics to reggaetón star J Balvin about mental health. She recently premiered her very own Facebook watch show “Face to Face with Becky G” and her first interview was with Demi Lovato.

After having released successful makeup collections for the Colourpop brand; Becky G recently launched her very own beauty brand, Treslúce. Treslúce Beauty creates, celebrates and supports Latinx heritage and culture, with high-performance, conscious, vegan-friendly formulations that deliver high impact artistry. Treslúce is inspired by Becky’s Mexican heritage and seeks to celebrate all Latinx cultures.

Becky is currently a brand ambassador for Xfinity Comcast and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold.

Her debut album Mala Santa was released in October 2019 and has been certified 8X Platinum in the United States, Platinum in Spain and Gold in Mexico.

Kim Kardashian West × 2021 People’s Choice Awards

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KIM KARDASHIAN WEST TO RECEIVE “THE FASHION ICON” AWARD AT THE 2021 “PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS”

NBC and E! announced that entrepreneur, fashion and beauty mogul Kim Kardashian West will receive the “Fashion Icon Award” at the 2021 “People’s Choice Awards.” Kardashian West will be honored for her keen fashion sense, her unprecedented entrepreneurial success, and single-handedly transforming the fashion industry through her innovative designs and trend-setting style over the past decade. The 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” will air simultaneously on both NBC and E! on Tuesday, December 7 at 9pm ET/PT from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA.

“For nearly two decades, Kim Kardashian West’s style evolution has disrupted and influenced trends on a global level and cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with within the fashion industry” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, Specials & E! News, NBCUniversal Entertainment Television and Streaming. “For being a cultural inspiration, trailblazer and so much more, we can’t wait to honor Kim with this year’s ‘People’s Fashion Icon’ award.”

Entrepreneur, beauty and fashion mogul, and activist Kardashian West was propelled into the spotlight in 2007 following the premiere of the hit E! Entertainment reality series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” which celebrated its final season this year after 20 seasons. Today, Kardashian West is among the most-followed celebrities, with social media pages that have over 250 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.

Kardashian West is renowned in the fashion and beauty industry for her successful business ventures and partnerships. In September 2019, she launched her wildly popular shapewear brand, SKIMS, which was recently valued at over $1 Billion, alongside her beauty brands KKW BEAUTY and KKW Fragrance, which launched in 2017.

Voting for the 2021 “People’s Choice Awards” is now closed. See the full list of all 40 categories and nominees online here.

Art Basel VIP Minting Event

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Established and renowned art dealer Avery Andon has collaborated with hip-hop legend and WuTang Clan founding member Ghostface Killah, along with the world-renowned jeweler Jason Arasheben, of Beverly Hills Minted Jewelry. This established team has joined forces to curate a minted NFT for the new art NFT platform and marketplace, ArtGrails.

Melting down Ghostface Killah’s Golden Eagle Bracelet, the 24k solid gold bracelet was transformed into a large one-pound gold coin that was minted as an NFT. The “Golden Eagle Bracelet” was made by jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills. Jason curates’ pieces for his clients that range from LeBron James, Drake, Mariah Carey, J-Lo and so many more phenomenal stars.

On November 30th the reimagined coin and an NFT video of the original form being liquefied and minted will be available as one exclusive set on the ArtGrails platform. This means that the piece will in the end only be purchasable by one buyer. ArtGrails is holding an invite-only VIP viewing event, art show and kick-off party on November 30th to celebrate the beginning of Art Basel 2021. The exclusive set of events will be held in the design distract of Miami. ArtGrails will not be posting content of the exclusive “minting event” video, so the auction winner will have the decision to make the video public or not.

The iconic 24k Golden Eagle Bracelet exemplifies an emblem in hip-hop history, and with the minting of the piece, now someone else will be able to own such a legendary piece of hip-hop history. The coin that is up for grabs will come with an NFT video that showcases Ghostface and Jason of Beverly Hills melting the bracelet into coin form. The video serves as a “tokenized physical asset that will accompany the minting of the video taken of the transformative goldsmithery into an NFT.”

Jason of Beverly Hills has continued to heavily influence and impact hip-hop history through the collaboration of this piece. While breaking down an emblem of hip-hop history, he also creates a new, reformed piece of that history. His work merges the physical and digital world in a way that has never been seen before. Avery Andon had the brilliant idea of the collaboration between Ghostface Killah and Jason of Beverly Hills for this creation. Andon leads ArtGrails upcoming NFT drops that highlight a wide range of renowned and influential buyers.

Andon comments on the event, stating, “this auction features some of the most monumental custom NFTs ever created, which required a platform that provides a truly custom experience for delivering high-end art. With NFTs en route to becoming an industry standard, ArtGrails pushes the industry forward, demonstrating that the future of fine art and collectibles goes beyond paper certificates of authenticity; therefore raising the standard for art buyers, owners, and dealers.”

The singular, unique set that includes the Ghostface Killah Gold Coin and the NFT Video of the melting and minting of the previous bracelet opens for auction on ArtGrails.com at 5:00PM EST on November 30th. The auction will end at 5:00PM EST on December 5th. To learn more about ArtGrails and to participate in the online NFT auctions, please visit the ArtGrails website at http://wwwartgrails.com.

Alexis Sicklick’s Savory Soup Recipe

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NYC Chef Alexis Sicklick is known for her savory fall recipes that push conventional cooking boundaries. One of Chef Alexis’ renowned and most unique dishes is her caramelized apple soup.

This caramelized apple soup came from one of Chef Alexis’ favorite fall soups; butternut squash and apple soup. The powerful notes included in butternut squash are optimized with the apple flavor that creates more acidity and depth. Like many others, Chef Alexis has a liking for the caramelized apple, and this was the flavor that she wanted to encapsulate in her own soup. Chef Alexis describes the soup as a combination of “all your favorite parts of French Onion Soup into a lighter, luscious version for the fall, focusing on the elegance of the cooked apple and enhancing it with the unmistakable goodness of caramelized onions.”

For the full story on Chef Alexis’ caramelized apple soup, read HERE.

Caramelized Apple Soup Recipe

Soup Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 White Onions

6 Apples, any variety/mix

1 cup White Wine

Water

½ bunch Thyme

½ bunch Oregano

4 Cinnamon Sticks

4 Star Anise

Salt

Slice the onions 1/8-inch thick. Cover the bottom of a wide soup pot with a thin layer of oil and caramelize the onions over low heat.
Peel and rough chop the apples into medium-sized pieces. Once the onions are golden brown, add the apples and cook until they also turn golden brown and begin to break down, but not too much so they lose their moisture and body (the apple starches help to create the velvety allure!) – you can raise the heat a bit for this step. Stir often to prevent them from sticking.
Once the apples turn soft and deep brown, deglaze with white wine and reduce just a little. Add water to cover and the herbs and spices in a sachet of cheesecloth for quick removal later. Season with a few pinches of salt, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil.
After the soup boils, turn it to a simmer and let it cook, covered, for about 1 hour.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed – feel free to add in some ground cinnamon or grated star anise if desired. With an immersion or regular blender (careful, it is hot – use small batches for the second option), blend until the soup is smooth and velvety.

Garnishes

1 cup Toasted Hazelnuts

8 ounces White Cheddar

While the soup is cooking, preheat the oven to 325°F. Cut the hazelnuts in half and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes/until they become amber in appearance.
Grate the cheddar cheese using the large grates on a box grater.

To Serve

Turn the oven to ‘Broil.’ Line oven-proof bowls on a tray and pour the soup into them. Cover with a layer of cheese and place in the oven until the top is completely melted and turns golden brown.
Garnish with the hazelnuts and enjoy!

Greubel Forsey – Balancier S2

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Live from the Dubai Watch Week: Greubel Forsey unveils its Balancier S2 at Cipriani

The new Balancier S2 by Greubel Forsey made its entrance onto the watchmaking stage on 27 November 2021 in the middle of the Dubai Watch Week – an event, a date, and a timepiece to remember!

Drawing inspiration from the strengths of the Atelier’s iconic Balancier S, the Balancier S2 is another signature timepiece, placing Greubel Forsey firmly at the heart of twenty-first century Fine Watchmaking. Spirited, contemporary, in step with its times, and it’s the final outcome of a painstaking process of minimalism embarked on by Greubel Forsey: an imposing 46.5-millimetre titanium timepiece.

“Dubai Watch Week was the ideal platform for the launch of our new Balancier S². First of all, because of the exceptional relationship we have with our partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, but also because of the quality of the event and the audience participating in it. A new chapter opens for Greubel Forsey.” says Antonio Calce, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Board Member.

Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, CCO of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons announces: “The launch of the new Balancier S2 and of the Balancier S – the Ether is a momentous milestone between Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and Greubel Forsey and the long-standing partnership between both entities. The first ever carbon Balancier S – the Ether, developed in collaboration with the brand, with a large titanium bridge limited edition is indicative of the progress made in watchmaking while commemorating the UAE’s 50th anniversary.”

The launch event organised by Greubel Forsey on 27 November at the Cipriani Dubai was redolent with success. The guests discovered a timepiece exuding tension, contrast, and strength. The legendary inclined balance wheel remains the beating heart of the piece, housed here in a new case replete with all-new finishes – new for this model, and indeed for Greubel Forsey.

For the first time, the central double-arched bridge has been openworked, epitomising the quest for something lighter, simpler, and uncluttered. The new titanium strap further enhances this ethos, blending seamlessly with the case – also made from titanium, as is the bezel with its polished sides. The latter has been shorn of the manufacturer’s traditional engraved values, while the barrel cover no longer bears the outsize ‘Greubel Forsey’ signature, but instead a modernist, circular pattern designed exclusively for the piece.

Only 38 of these new Balancier S2 watches will be produced per year, for four years: 22 with an anthracite grey caseback and 16 with a light grey caseback, accompanied by a plain or textured black rubber or titanium strap.

GIANNINA AZAR LAUNCES ‘METALLIC’ LINE

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Fashion Designer Giannina Azar Launches New ‘Metallic’ Line in Miami This Sunday Ahead of Art Basel

The Collection Features Stunning Evening Dresses Wrapped in Glitter, Metals and Rhinestones, and is a Collaboration with John Casblancas International Center and Model & Talent Management Agency

She has dressed superstars like J. Lo, Gwen Stefani and Brittney Spears. Her designs have been featured worldwide in Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Forbes. This weekend, just ahead of Art Basel, Miami is getting its first look at “Metallic,” the new high-end line of evening wear from fashion ikon and international designer Giannina Azar.

“My new ‘Metallic’ collection is avant-garde, modern and opulent, draped in glitter, metals and rhinestones and is designed for today’s modern woman who wants to make a statement,” Azar said. “It highlights true metallic tones, in addition to orange, red and black colors and is a design I am extremely proud of.”

Azar is collaborating once again with Amy Dalli, the president of John Casablancas International Center and Model & Talent Management Agency in Miami. The two previously worked together for Miami Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and on the premiere of Azar’s swim line that debuted at Miami Swim Week.

“Giannina and I met a few years ago and we immediately formed a special professional relationship based on the mutual standard of excellence in all that we do,” Dalli said. “The new ‘Metallic’ collection includes some of the most exquisite designs I’ve ever seen and proves once again why Giannina is such a trendsetter in this industry. I’m so excited to be working with her again.”

Dalli grew up modeling for John Casablancas and acquired the Miami-based agency in 2018. Her goal is to bring the John Casablancas name back to the level of worldwide notoriety it had in the 1980s and 90s. Collaborating with industry legends like Azar is just one way she’s doing that. The 5,000 square foot MTM center in Doral includes a runway room, two makeup rooms, an acting studio and a photo studio to develop and represent talent starting at the age of five.