Zerotwonine

A few months ago, 029’s fearless leader Xavier travelled to the exquisite city of Vienna for you. Yes, for you.

He was indulging in Viennese café and Sacher torte (what else) with his friend Philipp, devoted 029 member and assiduous founder of SevenSails.

It was during this meeting of the minds that Xavier was getting the low down on an exclusive and unique travel experience of a different kind.

And he decided that SevenSails’ aquatic adventure was just the perfect thing for 029 members (you) and he also managed to negotiate a finance friendly price (you’re welcome).

Imagine spending a week aboard your own yacht sailing around the Greek isles – your own floating finca filled with friends where each day starts with the gentle lulling of the Aegean’s azure waters.

Each day brings new scenery, new destinations and new possibilities for how to spend your day.

Why should you change course for your upcoming holidays? Why should you trade in sand for the high seas this summer? Three words: Abramovich, Branson and Cavalli.

These individuals (among many others) have mast-ered the art of yachting holidays. They float into some of the world’s hottest harbours for a swim, a bite to eat or a shopping excursion. Year after year, the paparazzi capture them and their friends having boatloads of fun, now it’s your turn.

A yachting holiday overflows with appeal. Locations only accessible by boat, new ports of call nightly, memorable deck parties, seclusion and privacy courtesy of the deep blue sea and the phrase “holiday on a yacht” just sounds oh so sexy.   

Even if you’ve never stepped foot on a yacht (you deprived soul), fear not, this isn’t performance yachting or your run-of-the-mill chartered harbour cruise. It is a chance for you to enjoy glistening sunshine, salty sea breezes, crystal clear waters, awe-inspiring scenery and sublime sunsets.

This summer spend time with your friends and meet new people in an environment that is just the right mixture of entertainment, adventure and chilling.

The Dates:

There are three different weeks available for the weeklong voyage:

16 Jul to 23 Jul

23 Jul to 30 Jul

30 Jul to 08 Aug

Click here to select your travel date and yacht(s)!

The Specifics:

You must rent out an entire boat (you can rent more than one if you’re on the popular side). The boats can accommodate between 4-12 people depending on the size. Click here to see the different boat types.

For those with sailing experience, we offer you the wheel (and the captain’s hat) to your own yacht for the week. If you prefer to kick back with cocktail in hand and let someone else do the navigating, skippers are available for hire at an additional cost.

Don’t worry; you won’t be stuck with a cuddly-like-a-porcupine, too-many-years-at-sea fisherman type. SevenSails is an expert skipper match-maker: similar age, interests, language skills - someone who’s cool and you’d like to befriend (like Johnny Depp channelling his inner Jack Sparrow). 

The Voyage:

All boats, no more than 35 per week, depart on Saturday from Athens.

Accompanying the fleet is SevenSails’ service boat which is equipped with a crew there to assist if need be, an onboard DJ to give your holiday the perfect soundtrack and refrigerators (can never have enough beverages).

SevenSails also offers a shopping service that will voyage ashore to get whatever you may have forgotten or run out of, within reason of course.

Important: this is not the aquatic equivalent of “Experience Greece in Week” tour. Neither is it a “follow the leader” yachting convoy bringing you en masse from port to port. You do not need to see another boat unless you want to. But when you look at what they have in store, you’ll want to hang around.

The Route:

You will sail to and around secluded bays, uninhabited islands and charming harbour towns during your week at sea.  Click here to see the route in detail.

For a more low-key experience, SevenSails recommends alternative anchoring locales, quiet bays and ports away from planned activities where you can spend quality time with your friends. Their water-taxi service can also whisk you ashore should you feel the need for explore a neighbouring town.

You can also choose to take your boat wherever your voyaging heart desires - no need to socialise with the other boats, no need to visit their suggested ports of call. But you would miss out on some spectacular fun at sea and alluring night time activities.

During the week you will abandon ship and explore quaint villages and islands. Stumbled on an unoccupied beach? It’s the perfect place for a game of beach volleyball or a picnic.

Other water based excitement includes swimming, diving, snorkelling, jetskiing, learning how to sail. Ready for some friendly competition? There’s nothing like a mini-regatta to get the adrenalin racing.

When the sun goes down, you don’t retreat to your cabin for the evening, but you could if you wanted. For dining, savour fresh seafood delivered to your boat as you dine on deck. Feast on local cuisine at a harbour restaurant. Or indulge in a beach BBQ as you’re serenaded by an acapella band.

Where’s the party at, you ask? Wherever you want it to be: boat party, beach party, their DJ spinning at a rented out club on the island – you decide what mood you’re in and they will provide the ambience. 

And after seven days at sea has ended, you can choose to stay a few days longer to explore the thrilling city of Athens.

The tides, they are changing. Click here for a smooth sailing booking process for your upcoming summer holiday.

029’s Commander-in-Chief headed down to Abu Dhabi aboard Etihad Airways for the 2010 Formula Grand Prix held at the Yas Marina circuit. With a group of Formula 1 fanatics in tow, 029 organised an action-pack week where the action was not only centred on the racing circuit.

The group stayed at the superbly chic Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, situated on a stretch of private beach with sublime views of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

The following day, it was time to put the race cars to shame at Ferrari World. Oh yes, the Formula Rossa rollercoaster ladies and gentlemen takes the term “thrill ride” to a cataclysmic level. Imagine sitting in what looks like a race car (wearing protective eye glasses, no less!) knowing full well that your body will be catapulted to a speed of 240 kph (150 mph) all in the matter of 4.9 seconds. Your cheeks are flapping in the desert wind, you try to scream but the G-force won’t allow it, you reach the top of the first ascent convinced you’re going to be launched into oblivion only to drop 52 metres (160 feet) back towards Earth to continue on with the ride. And that’s just the first few seconds.

You disembark from Formula Rossa, body shaking, happy to be alive and race back in line to experience the unparalleled adrenalin rush all over again.

The next day it was a bit more low key, but there was some rugged adventure to be had by all. The Hatta Rock Pools nestled in the Hajar Mountains near Dubai is a series of miniature canyons peppered with rock pools and waterfalls. Besides the mountain scenery, they provided much needed cooling off from the scorching Emirati sun. After cooling off in the Hatta Pools, it was time to hop on some 4×4 and hit the “Big Red,” a massive 300ft sand dune which is named for its reddish tinted sand (it comes from its high iron oxide levels if you’re wondering). They bashed some dunes, met some camels and had a traditional Bedouin style BBQ under the stars.

The day had arrived; it was time to see who would win at the Yas Marina circuit. The group got into their chauffeured Audi A8s and headed to the Renault Team’s Paddock Club.

Renault driver Robert Kubica stopped by for an interview and autograph signing and the group was also treated to a pit lane walkabout to get an up-close view of the drivers’ domains.

From their privileged viewing point, the group was afforded a front seat to the ultimate in nationalistic pride – seeing fellow German Sebastian Vettel cross the finish first for Red Bull.

After the daytime excitement, it was on to the evening entertainment. The Amber Lounge provided one brilliant end of the season F1 party and the ideal location to celebrate Vettel’s win.

New York is an eclectic city, a myriad of sights and sounds in constant battle for your attention.

New York Fashion Week only amplifies an already superlative-overloaded metropolis.

Who was there in the middle of it, soaking up the fashionable ambience? Why 029, naturally.

029’s runway-worthy Isabelle and the ever fashion-forward Christian accompanied a group of Manhattan and Fashion Week virgins (yes, they exist) to the Big Apple for a feast of fashion amidst the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week.

While our posse wasn’t rubbing shoulders with Anna Wintour, yet, we enjoyed our fair share of runway shows, shopping excursions and happening nightlife.

Our home base was the swanky and sexy W New York Times Square. 

A fashion statement in itself, the W is the ideal location to be in the middle of it all whilst still being able to retreat into the confines of your state-of-the-art and sophisticated hotel.

On Sunday, the group was chauffeured around Manhattan to some of the best shopping districts the city has to offer. 

SoHo and the Meatpacking District are home to some fashion heavyweight brands with their grandiose flagship stores and up-and-coming designers of tomorrow with their funky, hole-in-the-wall boutiques. Our group indulged in one-of-a-kind pieces, statement making accessories and recession-friendly wardrobe staples. Then it was time to get dolled up. 

A team of makeup artists and hairstylists came to the hotel to improve what nature had already given us. Then we stepped into our limo on our way to the Couture Fashion Week shows at the famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel. There we watched designers such as Sydney-based designer Cristina Nitopi, Peruvian-born designer Luis Machicao and US-designer Edwing d’Angelo sent their unique collections down the runway. 

The next day it was time for us to model the clothes, not on the runway, but in a fully stocked stylist’s showroom where we received styling tips and free clothes! Imagine a group a females letting loose amongst racks and racks of clothes, shoes and accessories - a sight to be seen.

Tuesday was the main event; we were off to Nolcha Fashion Week, the place for independent and emerging fashion designers from around the world to showcase their talents. Since our seats were front row, we had to make sure we were just as camera ready as the models (those front row guests ALWAYS end up in photos). A team of professional stylists once again came to the W Hotel to get us all ready for our close ups.

Nolcha Fashion Week took place downtown on Broadway and our group enjoyed backstage access to meet with the designers and take photos with the models. And it was hectic, shoes and clothes strewn about, models hair being pulled, teased and coerced into the perfect style and make-up galore.

We were treated to the funky contemporary fashions of Dora Abodi, the innovative elegance of Mexican born Stella Simona and the fusion of Euro-Asian fashion from Australian label KabukiU.

Dora Abodi:

Stella Simona:

KabukiU:
  

Following our overdose of fashion opulence, we were treated to a three-course meal at the famed, award-winning Capital Grille Steakhouse, where the dessert was just simply divine. To work off our indulgence, we headed off to our VIP table at Club Green House to dance the night away.

Other highlights to 029’s trip to New York Fashion Week included Robert Geller’s fashion show and an invitation to a private party at the seriously sexy Rose Bar in the Grammercy Park Hotel where we mingled with the likes of Chace Crawford, Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick of Gossip Girl fame and the adorable Rachel Bilson of former The O.C. fame.

In true New York style, we hardly slept, but the time we had in New York was worth every second of missed slumber. Manhattan never ceases to amaze us and without fail, always shows us a new side every time we step foot in the world’s most dynamic city. Fear not New York, 029 will return for Fashion Week and other attendance-worthy events and we are truly looking forward to taking in all the new wonders you will undoubtedly throw at us. So ciao NYC, it’s been grand!

029 Experience Artist and successful menswear designer, Robert Geller, unveiled his Spring/Summer 2011 collection during New York Fashion Week.

029’s fashion scouting gurus, Isabelle and Christian, along with our friends and lovers-of-all-things-artistic Robert and Hale of United Creators watched as the models aggressively strut down the runway.

Victor Hugo once said, “Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.”

Robert Geller kept to his German roots and found inspiration from the Berlin student movement of the 1960’s that sought to challenge the authoritarianism of the German governments and the hypocrisy of Western governments in general.

The protests in Germany were a reflection of a broader trend of global unrest, which saw the youth in various countries uniting together for a common cause against their respective governments.

This somber, yet liberating era in German history provided the backdrop and televisions broadcasting scenes from those protest set the mood for Geller’s latest collection. With the scene set and the audience’s undivided attention – it was time to tell a story by way of cuts, colour and fabric. 

The clothes were an expression of contrasts: sharply cut blazers, leather jackets and jumpsuits added an aggressive element while loosely cut shorts and silky fabrics helped soften the collection’s tone.

An army fatigue palette dominated the collection, army greens and desert khakis were prominently featured to symbolise the military response that often greeted peaceful protests.

Various shades of reds, a colour that Geller introduced into his collection for the first time, spoke to the passion and courage that marked the era’s youth movement.

Despite his new theme and inspiration, Geller stayed faithful to a few of his signature elements: impeccable tailoring, expert layering and an all-around messy-yet-pulled-togetherness that produces wardrobe staples with a rock-n-roll edge.

029’s Very Much Adored colleague Nadine was whisked away to the City of Angels where she found herself surrounded by glitz, glamour and Gucci! All in a day’s work.

Need another reason why Facebook can be a good thing?

Gucci Guilty perfume sponsored a competition on Facebook where four winners won an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles for the MTV’s Video Music Awards.

029, in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Gucci created a fashion-savvy few days for our winners hailing from the US & UK filled with celebrity-worthy access, personal assistant pampering and our own paparazzi in tow.

The winners rested their pretty little heads in no other than LA’s famed Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard. Yes, THE legendary icon-of-a-hotel that has seen its fair share of infamous parties, Hollywood glitz and celebrity debauchery. After a welcome dinner in the Chateau’s exquisite gardens, it was off to rest up for the next day’s fashionable activities.

The next day, we headed to the Gucci store on Rodeo Drive where we were ushered in at the back entrance (trés incognito) and greeted by the entire Gucci store team, representatives from Gucci Milan and Procter & Gamble.

The winners embarked on the shopping trip of a lifetime where they were completely outfitted in and accessorised with the latest designs from the Italian fashion house. The ladies were dazzling in their flirty cocktail dresses and sky-high heels, whilst one of our gentlemen was sporting silver-hued trainers and a stylish bomber jacket. Add to that some heartbeat elevating handbags, oversized (what else?) sunglasses and chic shopping bags to tote their wares – our eight winners took decked out to a whole other level.

After satisfying our hunger at the posh but practical The Farm of Beverly Hills restaurant, our s t r e t c h limo took us away high above the Hollywood Hills where we sipped champagne under the watchful eye of the iconic Hollywood sign. We enjoyed the sprawling LA views and engaged in some impromptu photo shoots.

The glamour had just begun. The following day, the winners got a taste of what it means to be a VIP, being fussed and fawned over by army of stylists who normally spend their creative hours at fashion shoots and runway shows. But today, these brilliant artists were all ours.

 
The hairspray was plentiful, the makeup flawless and the faux lashes were fierce. The winners then stepped into their Gucci pieces, which had spent the evening before being expertly altered to the measurements of their respective wearer. Were you expecting off-the-rack? Perish the thought! Gucci clothes are meant to hug in all the right places, warning, I see dangerous curves ahead!

All dressed up with nowhere to go? Hardly! Riding in style, the winners hopped into their white Rolls Royce Phantom limo, off to the Nokia Theatre, straight to the VIP section to watch the VMAs. Satisfying their appetite with culinary creations courtesy of Café La Boheme, the winners arrived back at the hotel were the afterparty was just heating up.

029 would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our ingenious photographer Tomas Muscionico. With a swoon-worthy reference list including works published in Time, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, British GQ and British Vogue, up-close-and-personal portraits with personalities such as Heidi Klum, Donald Trump, Michelle Yeoh, Christian Louboutin, Oliver Kahn and Steven Spielberg and brilliant collaborations with Cirque du Soleil– we were truly honoured to have such a talented individual capture our Los Angeles experience. A special thanks also to Tomas’s team of hair and makeup artists who were responsible for the glam in our glamorous day!

Your friends at 029 love a good party. And you know when 029 is involved, the party is not just good, it is legendary.

Such a legendary time was had by all when 029 jetted off to Miami in March for the launch of Escada’s newest fragrance Marine Groove. Although everyone at 029 loves a glam night out on the town, we left the partying in Miami to our very capable, utterly fun-loving and über-stylish colleagues Isabelle and Christian. It’s tough working at 029 sometimes.

The party started on Saturday night at one of South Beach’s hottest nightclubs, LIV. Trust us, you haven’t really “liv-ed” the life of a true partier until you’ve partied at LIV.

The club was packed, the music was pumping and the sex-appeal was on overdrive. Multi-platinum recording artist Mya was the guest of honour for the evening. Miami’s VIPs were in attendance, in addition to members of the media, models, our friends from Nolcha & United Creators and of course 029.

The action did not stop when the sun came up on Sunday. What better way to relax after a long night out than aboard a chartered yacht sailing around Miami? 029 and accompanying entourage boarded the Venetian Lady on Sunday morning (for those individuals who did not miss the boat thanks to Daylight Savings Time in the good ole’ US of A).

Mya also showed up for some relaxation, photo-ops, autograph signing and interviews. 029’s Isa even donned an Escada girl outfit when one of the models called in sick last minute. We are ever so proud of our model-worthy colleague, rocking the Escada tee. Not to be outdone, Christian showed that he prefers a whole lot of woman as he cuddled up to his supersize dream girl.

But don’t just take our word for it, check out the videos below:

Courtesy of Lmh Mag

This one is from StiloMag.com

Mya and Escada

For those of you who are just completely overwhelmed with how cool 029 parties are, we will be holding a Escada Marine Groove fragrance, the sequel, on the party-haven island of Ibiza with DJ Fedde Le Grand.

Check out the trailer below and be sure to stay tuned.

029’s CEO, Xavier Sarras was in London during the middle of January to attend Entrepreneur Country’s forum.

This event, hosted by Ariadne Capital, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, innovators and key influencers in one power-packed day of thought leadership, networking, pitching and education.

Ariadne Capital is a specialist technology investment and advisory firm backing entrepreneurs in the media, mobile internet & communications, and internet sectors

One of the event highlights was that participants were able to visit 029’s stand in the Interactive City to drop off their business cards for a chance to win a four night stay at the luxurious Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Over 70% of those atending jumped at the chance to visit this iconic palace of a hotel and submitted their name for the drawing.

The winner was announced at the conclusion of the event by Ariadne Capital’s CEO, Julie Meyer who picked the lucky winner’s name from a bowl.

029 is thankful to Emirates Palace for their gracious sponosoring of such a top-class prize for such a top-class event.

If you are interested in a once-in-a-lifetime stay at Emirates Palace, please do not hesitate to contact 029’s Member Relations team who would be more than happy to arrange a stay for you fit for royalty.

Because Europe has seen nothing but snow for the past few weeks, 029 felt the need to celebrate activities that can only be done when the white stuff falls.

Let’s take dog sledding. I love snow. I love dogs.

I especially love Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and other dog breeds who feel at home in the snow.

So when I heard of a European-wide dog sled race happening near Innsbruck this past weekend – I braved the cold and the ice-y roads to have an excuse to play with dogs. Fair warning - I had to wear unstylish gloves to keep my hands warm.

It was an important race, the mushers were quite focused and many probably would rather that I not play with their dogs, but who am I to listen.

If you are looking for results or names of who was competing, you will not find them here.  This post is solely to show pictures of pretty dogs, 029’s Marketing Manager playing with pretty dogs and a few action pics.

I had a dog attack and try to eat my gloves (his trainer warned me, but again, I didn’t listen) I got peed on by another and growled at by quite a few unfriendly pups, but for the most part – I cuddled, petted, played and fell in love with their baby blue eyes.

So for those of you who curse the cold and snub your nose at the snow, just remember there are plenty of wonderful things to do when the temperature drops.