Ocean Blue Magazine – Ocean Blue WORLD

Architectural Marvels

Embark on an architectural journey that spans continents and cultures, featuring some of the world’s most extraordinary structures. In the heart of New York City stands the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center, a 138-foot marvel designed by REX and Davis Brody Bond, enveloped in Portuguese marble that bathes the skyline in a radiant glow after dark. Then, venture to Saadiyat Island’s Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi by Adjaye Associates, a trio of cube-shaped sacred spaces that celebrate religious diversity with sublime elegance. Journey to China’s dynamic southern edge, where the Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects emerges as a nexus of connectivity, blending transportation and cultural flair. In Manchester, The Factory International by OMA reimagines industrial heritage into a versatile cultural venue. And finally, in South Korea, Tadao Ando’s Space of Light at Museum SAN offers a sanctuary of contemplation, where concrete and nature converge. This article illuminates these architectural marvels, promising a virtual tour of innovation, spirituality, and design brilliance.

Ronald O Perelman world trade center NYC

The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center, New York City | REX, Davis Brody Bond Architects

The 138-foot-tall cube-shaped structure sheathed in richly veined Portuguese marble emits an ethereal glow when illuminated at night. The interior houses flexible theatre spaces that can accommodate audiences ranging from 99 to 1,200 people.

abrahamic-family-house-david-adjaye-associates-architecture marvels

Abrahamic Family House, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi | Adjaye Associates

Comprised of a mosque, a church, and a synagogue: Though unified through their cube-shaped silhouettes, each house of worship is distinguished with its own distinct curtain wall that evokes the tenets of the particular faith.

Zhuhai Jinwan Civic Art Centre, China | Zaha Hadid Architects

Located in the burgeoning town area of the southern Chinese city, the building will link directly to the Zhuhai Airport Intercity railway, which connects the nearby cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, and Hong Kong.

The Factory International, Manchester, England | OMA

Designed by Dutch architecture firm OMA it incorporates arches that once supported a historic viaduct into the design as well as acoustic walls and a technical ceiling grid that allows any type of use, from concert to exhibition.

Space of Light, Museum SAN, Wonju, South Korea | Tadao Ando

The newest addition to the Japanese architecture master’s contemplative series, embodying his signature style expressed by concrete, light and integration with nature.

Photos courtesy of OMA, Museum SAN, Adiaye Associates, The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center

Luxury & Innovation

Luxury Must Have Toys

Indulge in a world where luxury and innovation seamlessly intertwine. We’re showcasing the latest luxury must-have “toys” for the discerning connoisseur. From the exclusive collaboration of Fender x Saint Laurent, which has birthed a stunning gloss-black Stratocaster and its accompanying accessories, to the elegant design and technological prowess of Casio’s Privia PX-S7000HM piano, these pieces are more than just items; they are experiences. Explore the future of urban mobility with the Civilized Cycles Model 1 E-Bike, a marvel that promises comfort and versatility for every journey. And finally, surrender to the allure of Italian sophistication with the Ferrari Roma Spider, a car that not only defines high performance but also captures the essence of la dolce vita with its stylish soft top. Join us as we delve into the realm of extravagant pleasures where each piece is a testament to the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation.

Riff Loud

The limited-edition Fender x Saint Laurent Stratocaster pairs the fashion house with the guitar that started it all. The storied American guitar maker and the legendary French fashion house’s limited edition collection consists of a uniquely styled gloss-black Stratocaster, a custom ’65 Deluxe Reverb guitar amplifier, and a set of collectible guitar picks. fender.com

Design & Sound

Casio’s Privia PX-S7000HM features built-in Bluetooth MIDI and audio, as well as a microphone input. It combines integrated aesthetics with built-in pedals and touch-panel controls, offering access to 400 sounds, including nine different grand pianos, and audio recording. casio.com

Zip Around

The versatile and stylish Civilized Cycles Model 1 E-Bike Model 1, designed to comfortably seat two adults or an adult and two children, has an automatic full suspension, integrated panniers, USB charge ports, and an up to 60-mile range with an optional second battery. civilizedcycles.com

La Dolce Vita

The Ferrari Roma Spider is a timelessly elegant, high-performance car, but also a contemporary take on the chic, pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s. This spider carries over the proportions, volumes and specifications of the Ferrari Roma’s hugely successful concept, but what makes it so striking is the adoption of a soft top, a solution making a welcome return to the Prancing Horse range on a front-engined car 54 years after the launch of the 1969 365 GTS4.

Magic Ice

by Roberto Valle

For those whose bucket list includes an expedition to the polar regions, but without the arduous physical trek, the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot offers an incredible opportunity for the adventurous epicurean.

The latest jewel in the crown of French cruise ship operators Compagnie du Pondant, the Charcot is a Class 2 polar vessel pairing icebreaking capabilities with the epitome of elegance and a purposefully light carbon footprint. The powerful vessel uses green technologies and runs on a hybrid liquefied natural gas propulsion system coupled with a bank of high-capacity batteries.

Le Commandant Charcot

The ship’s power is duly overshadowed by its level of comfort, with interiors designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel and Jean-Michel Wilmotte, including a theater with seating for all 245 passengers, a spa replete with snow room, several lounges and two pools, one wrapping around the back deck surrounded by heated sofas for lounging in chilly weather.

The ship’s restaurant, Nua, boasts menus created by famed French chef Alain Ducasse, his first floating restaurant, where fine wines, caviar and foie gras are served along with other specialty dishes for the gourmand adventurer.

After all, this is an expedition ship and hosts two scientific laboratories for those studying the Arctic. There’s even an onboard helicopter for scientists to venture out onto the ice cap, collecting valuable data about this frigid yet fragile ecosystem.

With itineraries in the Antarctic in the summer and the northern hemisphere in the winter, the Charcot offers the unique opportunity to set off on an exhibition few have attempted, and none so luxuriously.

Photos courtesy of Le Commandant Charcot

Play Like a Girl

“For something weird and niche like the organ, which has historically been a bit side-lined from mainstream classical music, people can get really sucked into it and start to ask questions.”

With nearly 10,000 pipes, standing 70 feet high and weighing in at 150 tons, the Royal Albert Hall’s massive pipe organ is a monumental beast tamed as of late by the unlikeliest of musicians, a petite 28-year-old superstar conductor-composer-musician-media personality named Anna Lapwood.

The slight, smiley and bespectacled blond with a penchant for sparkly jackets often puts fingers and toes to the giant organ after midnight when rehearsal space is free, setting her phone next to the keys and recording her sessions for a massive TikTok audience where she is viewed as the Taylor Swift of classical music.

Using the hashtag #playlikeagirl, Lapwood routinely delights nearly 600,000 TikTok followers with her performances. One of the most common adjectives used to describe her success is ‘meteoric.”

At just 21, Lapwood was named (the youngest ever) director of music at Pembroke College in Cambridge, where she also conducts the college’s choir. Her talent was undeniable.

midnight sessions at the royal alber hall

“Music-making should be fun — it should be about sharing joy and positivity.”

Charismatic and effervescent, Lapwood didn’t pick up the organ until the age of 15, an incredibly difficult undertaking, she recalls. But talent and tenacity paid off, and the girl and her instrument are changing classical music’s trajectory for a new generation

Lapwood was famously asked by electronic dance musician Bonobo to perform with him at a rave held at the Royal Albert. Millions tuned in for the show which Lapwood has called “life-changing,” both for herself and a new legion of organ fans drawn to what formerly was considered an archaic instrument.

Play like a girl, indeed!

Follow Anna Lapwood

Photos courtesy of Sony Classical, Andy Paradise

Off The Grid

Beyond the confines of Instagram, Ocean Blue takes a look at three highly influential stunning ladies influencing the world of fashion and media.

Highly Influential Women

Alison Deyette

@alisondeyette

An influencer’s influencer, Alison Deyette doesn’t just have her own following, she helps others learn to grow their personal brands by offering everything from media training to coaching to styling tips. As a regular on shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show and Extra, as well as a contributor to The New York Times, Real Simple and The Wall Street Journal she is quick to share her tips and trend reports.

Oriana Gallo

@orianagallo

From her home base in Mexico City, model Oriana Gallo shares everything from her daily looks to her travel diaries. But instead of just allowing her fans to ‘like’ her posts, she helps make following her lifestyle a breeze by curating lists of fashionable separates to purchase on Revolve and even clipping her travel diaries together on Instagram Guides.

Nancy Berman

@nandanieofficial

As the founder of the Nandanie, Nancy Berman helps women feel strong and powerful through her line of decorative ties that she describes being, “as easy as putting on a necklace.” Nancy, together with Ocean Blue, were brand sponsors at this year’s Hamptons Fashion Week®, which brought designers and exhibitors together for a runway show extravaganza.

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The Interview: David Beckham

Build It Like Beckham

David Beckham wears his heart on his sleeves… and his chest, back, neck, legs and hands, among other stretches of skin where the soccer superstar has documented his life’s meaning and milestones.

Among the scores of images tattooed on the model, businessman and revered athlete’s much-coveted flesh, are the names of his four children and remembrances of his athletic career — including ‘99’ commemorating the monumental year Manchester United won the treble, his marriage to wife Victoria and the birth of the couple’s first child.

Family and the love of the sport that he has helped define — and which in turn has defined his life — dominate a body that has made him a superstar both on and off the pitch.

Beckham’s style and sports acumen have brought him fame and accolades that transcend his legendary athletic performances during his 20-year career.

One of the sport’s most celebrated midfielders, Beckham was named by Pelé himself as one of soccer’s top 100 living players, played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments, was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, and became a pop culture icon, even inspired the award-winning 2002 film, Bend It Like Beckham as well as the 2023 Netflix docuseries, Beckham.

Beckham’s Next Move

At 48, retirement has done nothing to dull his edge. Through determination and hard work, Beckham is building a lasting legacy that may well make more of a mark on the history of soccer than any of his time on the field. He is working toward a goal that would have been unthinkable a decade earlier, making soccer a major sport in the United States.

Beckham has turned his Inter Miami soccer team into the hottest ticket in American sports while pushing to transform the country’s Major League Soccer, or MLS, into an acronym he hopes will be as recognizable in the States as the NFL, NBA or MLB.

The recent signing of legendary Barcelona player Lionel Messi and plans to build a $1 billion stadium in Miami have only added to the fever pitch surrounding Inter Miami.

Fans and A-listers, including Prince Harry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, Marc Anthony, LeBron James, Owen Wilson, Edward Norton, and Will Ferrell are pouring into the stadiums to catch a glimpse of the soccer superstar and the team’s iconic co-owner who traces his love of the sport back to childhood.

Beckham’s Start On The Pitch

Beckham first drew attention as a spiky-haired 11-year-old, when he won the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools National Skills competition. This accolade led to a trip to Barcelona where the cheeky young chap caught the eye of a talent scout from Manchester United, his parents’ favorite team.

He signed with the club as a teenager and made his professional debut with Manchester United at the age of 21. Beckham would go on to join the rosters of Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and Paris St. Germain, garnering 19 trophies and scoring 127 goals before his retirement in 2013. He became one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, and not just for his on-pitch achievements.

His endorsements, appearances and provocative photo shoots in partnerships with Adidas, Tudor, Maserati, and countless other luxury brands, have made the six-foot, chiseled and brazenly handsome Londoner a global celebrity, a platform he has used to bring recognition and star power to his new endeavor in bringing soccer across the pond.

By his side for the last 24 years is his wife, fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. Together this dynamic duo has forged an empire with a strong emphasis on business and philanthropy, contributing millions to well over a dozen charities.

He is a founding member of Malaria No More, and the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust provides wheelchairs and other aid to children in need. His lengthy partnership with UNICEF and the creation of his charitable 7 Fund, helps children in Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda and El Salvador reach their full potential.

Beckham’s Love of Family

But always, Beckham’s family is first and foremost. Their names and images are not just branded on his skin but embedded in his heart.

On social media, where his Instagram alone draws a staggering 83 million followers, his wife and four children, sons model Brooklyn, professional soccer player Romeo and musician Cruz, as well as daughter Harper are omnipresent.

And it’s clear that Harper, 12, has got daddy wrapped around her little finger. He’s got a stick figure she drew at the age of four tattooed on his hand, and images capturing tender daddy-daughter moments abound, to the delight of fans who have no trouble embracing the sexy soccer star’s softer side.

Beckham proudly shares photos of the two playfully posing in clown noses, Harper applying makeup to her famous father, and scrapbooks of photos dedicated to “the most amazing little girl a daddy could wish for” on her birthday.

But perhaps the most telling image splashed across the headlines worldwide is that of a beaming Harper, walking confidently out onto the field at a recent Inter Miami match holding player Lionel Messi’s hand.

The joy captured in young Harper’s eyes embodies Beckham’s devotion to family, sport and his unstoppable drive to build a lasting legacy for generations to come.

By the look of things, David Beckham is well on his way to yet another meaningful goal.

The Princess Effect

Tiaras aren’t just for royalty. The ultimate luxe accessory has seen a comeback as of late, appearing at the recent coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, on red carpets and at gala events, no longer relegated to weddings and beauty pageants.

Tiaras rose to fashion in Europe where the famed French jewelry house Chaumet has been making tiaras since 1780 as the official jeweler to the French court. Chaumet’s business boomed during Napoleon’s reign when asserting status and royal privilege became of primordial importance.

garrard-catherine-tiara — Bentley and Skinner Tiara

“Fairies come in all shapes, colours, sizes and types, they don’t have to be fluffy. They can be demanding and furious if they like. They do, however, have to wear a tiara. That much is compulsory.” Dawn French, A Tiny Bit Marvelous

These coveted semi-circled headpieces are often made from precious metals and jewels and can take various forms, ranging from Art-Deco bandeaux to elaborate Russian-style kokoshniks with massive amounts of jewels.

Chaumet recently presented its Tiara Dream exhibition at the King Fahad National Library, Riyadh, bringing together a collection of the most precious of its creations throughout history.

Tiaras have adorned fashion collections from Gucci to Saint Laurent, and celebrities have also embraced this trend, from Madonna in a Versace sparkler, to Beyonce to Courtney Love. Blake Lively famously wore one to the Met Gala, the perfect complement to her show-stopping dress, and a timeless symbol of feminine power.

And brands like Halo and Co, Yoko London and Bentley and Skinner and Simone Rocha are getting into the game, producing elegant, modern versions of the classic headpiece.

Although Paris Hilton famously said, “always walk around like you have on an invisible tiara,” there’s no need to don an imaginary one any longer.

Photos courtesy of: Bentley & Skinner, Cassandra goad, Pragnell. Yoko London, Halo and co, Simone Rocha, Jennifer Bher, Garrard

Summoning Your Inner Shaman

A South American wellness tradition spanning thousands of years is seeing renewed interest from those looking for a natural way to improve their overall well-being and summon their inner shaman.

Celebrities including Gisele Bündchen, Salma Hayek and Miranda Kerr swear by palo santo, or “holy wood,” as its name translates from Spanish.

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish has incorporated the ancient wood essence in her perfume, Eilish No. 2, and singer Alicia Keys says she burns palo santo in her dressing room before a performance to summon clarity and confidence.

“Palo santo is a feel good ingredient, creating a sense of relaxation to align mind, body and soul,” says Initio Parfums global brand director Bérengère Batalla.

It is also a sustainably-sourced natural product. In order to be harvested, palo santo trees must die naturally and remain on the forest floor for a minimum of four years, otherwise, the sought-after aroma of lemon, mint and pine fails to develop.

Incans believed the smoke from the wood had healing powers, although scientists haven’t weighed in on these claims. Smudging a room with palo santo, similar to sage, is thought to dispel bad energy and bring about a positive aura. Its pleasing scent is also conducive to meditation and stress relief.

Found in candles, oils, creams and incense, among other products, palo santo offers an ancient touch of calm to an increasingly hectic world.

Photo Courtesy of: Shutterstock

The Art of the Meal

Renowned Mexican chef Martha Ortiz Chapa grew up in Northern Mexico, the daughter of a doctor and an artist. Dinners were grand occasions, often accompanied by luminaries such as Rufino Tamayo, Juan Rulfo, José Luis Cuevas and Octavio Paz, discussing the issues of the day over a meal.

Ortiz’s passion for food was born during those dinners, where she learned that food could transcend the utilitarian function of eating.

Although she earned a degree in political science, Ortiz then traveled the world tasting the cuisines of different cultures and earning a renewed appreciation for Mexican food, with its rich flavors and colors.

And it’s the food of her homeland that she celebrates at her restaurants, which are often named the best in Latin America, including Águila y Sol, Dulce Patria and London’s Ella Canta.

“The most important ingredient is passion.”

Currently, Ortiz heads up the kitchens of Filigrana in Mexico City and Tuch de Luna in the Mayan Riviera, where menu items are like carefully curated paintings in a museum, telling stories through flavors that have a distinctly and unabashedly feminine touch.

Her Vampire Ceviche, made with mango, sangria and topped with chamoy sorbet, is legendary and part of her concept of eating color and revolutionizing Mexican art and cuisine.

A former host of Top Chef Mexico, and author of several cookbooks, Ortiz’s personal elegance and love for country results in dishes that are like poetry, unique and transformative contributions from a woman who understands and redefines the art of a meal.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Martha Ortiz Chapa

Out Of This World Dining

By Roberto Valle

Dinner Among The Stars

For those looking for a truly out-of-this-world dining experience, a French company may have just the ticket, offering luxury and fine dining on the very edge of space.

The company, Zephalto, says it will soon begin offering low-carbon, stratospheric balloon rides high above the Earth’s surface, more than 80,000 feet into the atmosphere, complete with a gourmet meal served from the craft’s highest vantage point.

Six passengers and two pilots will ride in the Celeste, a pressurized capsule designed by architect Joseph Dirand who created the Balmain, Balenciaga and Givenchy fashion boutiques in Paris, and Loulou, the restaurant at the Louvre.

While the chefs for the voyages have yet to be announced, Zephalto’s founder, Vincent Farret d’Astiès, is dedicated to providing Michelin-star quality and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“The view and overall journey remain the central focus of the offering, allowing guests to appreciate and take in the beauty of their surroundings,” he promises.

The Celeste, hoisted by a balloon, will slowly rise above the planet, traveling twice as high as most jetliners, followed by a stop at cruising altitude for an aperitif, a gourmet meal, and plenty of time for photos and selfies from a 75-foot observation window.

The Celeste will then gently descend back to terra firma after a six-hour total voyage certain to leave adventurous diners starstruck.

Photos Courtesy Of: CNES, Zephalto

Charmed Life

Kelly Slater has lived a charmed life, and he knows it.

He’s turned what is a hobby to most into a career stretching three decades, garnering 11 World Champions, more than any other surfer, been featured in video games, countless surfing films, and even developed his own, exclusive, surfing ranch using artificial waves 100 miles from the ocean in California.

Born in Florida, where he still resides, Kelly Slater has ridden the best waves across the globe, and done it better than anyone. At 51, Slater remains a huge figure in the sport. Despite having been cut from the World Surf League in 2023, Slater could still reemerge with a wild card slot, adding another title to his collection. Although his career may be fading, don’t count this champion out.

“The joy of surfing is so many things combined, from the physical exertion of it to the challenge of it, to the mental side of the sport.”

A consummate advocate for clean living, Slater’s passion for the ocean extends to preserving it, serving on the board of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and working to protect fragile California reefs.

In 2010 he was honored by the United States House of Representatives for “outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the world of surfing and for being an ambassador of the sport and excellent role model,” further proof that this legend of the waves has left a lasting legacy, both in and out of the water.

Photos courtesy of HBO