GIBERG Switzerland Magazine by BLUSH Editions

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A lifetime of success

The nobility of gold and diamonds

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Niura One Thousand and One Nights P.24 P.28

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Olora Swan Lake

Alagaro, highest precision P.30

Authentic beauty

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Swiss Noble Forge

Ahton, a dragon for all times

Claude Nobs, a statue in the name of jazz P.48

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Watch City

Altmann Casting A family success story

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Caterina Murino, the diamond Bond Girl P.56

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Editorials

Giberg pays tribute to the stars

The Gstaad Palace, star-studded luxury in the Alps

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Saint Moritz, the jet-set resort of the Swiss Alps P.68 P.74

Badrutt’s a palace truly fit for royalty Saint-Tropez destination glamour P.76

Giberg backstage

Publisher: Les Editions Blush - Publiscope Publishing Director: Grégory Ayoun Art Director: Yvan Babillon Éditorial Consultant: Laure Delvigo Jewellery & Timepieces Editor: Apolline Chaize Lifestyle & Translation: Samantha King, Venetia Bell Valim Editorial Offices 136, cours Emile Zola - 69100 Villeurbanne - France Tel: +33(0)478242273- Fax: +33(0)478245618 - gregory@blush-mag.com Photo © Cover and pages 2,4: Sandra Fourqui Fashion Stylist: Aurore Donguy Hairstylist: Hugo Raiah C/O L’Atelier 68 Make-Up Artist: Ludovic Cadeo C/O Backstage Agency Giberg Magazine is edited and published by the Les Editions Blush - Publiscope. Les Editions Blush declines responsibility for any unpublished texts, illustrations or photos it receives. Reproduction of texts, drawings and pictures published in this magazine remains the property of Les Editions Blush, owned by Publiscope, which reserves the right of reproduction and translation in the whole world. Publiscope accepts no responsibility for the published documents. Printed in the EU - All rights reserved. ISSN n°2267-7372 - Dépôt légal à parution. GIBERG ltd, Switzerland +41 32 333 12 12 contact@giberg.com www.giberg.com - www.blush-mag.com

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Our meeting with the House of Giberg will be counted among those wonderful and rare moments of our trade. The initial surprise was a remarkable watch named “Niura” spotted by our video team at Baselworld and later immortalised in the pages of a magazine with the effervescent Miss Universe, Iris Mittenaere. As well as discovering Giberg’s haute couture knowhow, we also met the wonderful Marie and Andreas Altmann, founders of this jewel of a company. They came with us on our jet-set, sometimes rock ’n’ roll photo shoots from Paris to Saint-Tropez, always with the same enthusiasm that is part of their nature, whether in the comfort of a suite at the Hotel du Collectionneur or in an unheated garage in Paris! This enthusiasm is coupled with creativity and a passion for their work, an eye for all that is beautiful as well as a less tangible gift for human relations. These values we share with them and they come together in this new magazine. We extend our warmest thanks to Andreas, Marie and their staff for having allowed us into the wonderful world of Giberg, a world we invite you to discover in this first issue. Gregory Ayoun Founder of Les Editions Blush

LEFT PAGE Ring: White gold with 572 diamonds (5.47 ct) 30 baguettes (1.71 ct) and two black diamonds (0.01 ct) Necklace: White gold with 1,016 diamonds (3.38 ct) and 84 Japanese Akoya pearls Earrings: White gold with 614 diamonds (1.87 ct) and 10 Japanese Akoya pearls Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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Giberg is more than just a brand creating masterpieces made with Swiss precision using the most precious materials found on earth. Giberg is a vision. A dream of mine! An expression of the highest aesthetics possible. A manifest of a way of life driven by a desire to always work to the highest standards. My family and I are very honoured that our handcrafted and ultra-limited masterpieces like “Ahton” and “Niura” have attracted so many accolades from the four corners of the globe. And this success underlines our commitment to our vision: that of offering the world sculptures, watches and jewellery no one imagined could exist in such perfection. We are incredibly proud to have been given the chance to share our values and dreams in Gstaad, Saint Moritz and Saint-Tropez where our creations have been worn by our Giberg ambassador and Bond girl Caterina Murino, Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere and the one and only Isabelle Adjani. I’m sure you will enjoy exploring our collection on the following pages as much as we enjoyed putting together this issue of Les Editions Blush.

LEFT PAGE Men’s watch: Alagaro, Yellow gold and ceramic / sapphire case with 11 sapphires and 70 diamonds, powered by Giberg’s own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118”, Alligator leather bracelet Watch: Niura, Red gold case with 2,156 diamonds and 76 rubies powered by Giberg’s own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118”, lizard leather bracelet Earrings: White gold with 680 diamonds (9.02 ct) and a white feather Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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Watch: Niura, White gold 2,651 diamonds (9.17 ct) and 76 sapphire (1.31 ct) Earrings: White gold with 680 diamonds (9.02 ct) and a white feather Photo ÂŠ Sandra Fourqui

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A N DREAS A LT M A N N

A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS

“ I was born in Biel. My father and grandfather were jewellers.” It was in his father’s workshop that Andreas Altmann watched, listened to and discovered the techniques of soldering, the sound of the blowtorch and the creation of a piece of jewellery. At the age of 15, he decided to become a jeweller too. His ultimate goal was to. “found a company with my own staff and to have my initials engraved.” Andreas spent his youth drawing inspiration from nature. He spent most of his time outdoors. Sport was to play an important part in the construction of his future goals. He became very involved in hockey, football and taekwondo and played them to a high level. Andreas was a quick learner and discovered he had mental fortitude. This, coupled with determination, would stand him in good stead throughout his career. By Apolline Chaize

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Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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FROM B IEL TO GEN EVA , A S H IN ING TALENT These strengths were put to good use during his apprenticeship. In Biel, Andreas was given the chance to work with a jeweller. In just 12 months, this highly talented young man became close to the jeweller and started making and producing his own designs. At 19 he decided to leave for a jeweller in Geneva. “Here I discovered the world of fine jewellery,” he explains. He loved his job but very quickly realised that to create a piece of jewellery from A to Z there was one vital skill he was lacking: that of setting. So he decided to look for an opening as an apprentice setter to perfect his knowledge of this branch of fine jewellery. He came up against a very closed circle reserved for the privileged: “In order to be admitted into this elite group, I had to agree to earn nothing. In fact I had to pay out CHF 500 per month to gain this skill,” the founder of Maison Giberg tells us. Fortunately his girlfriend of the time – now his wife – was able to finance his ambition. The financial strain would not last long; after just two months, Andreas’ talent was once again recognised. He would go on to work for the greatest names in the worlds of watchmaking and fine jewellery. Burning inside Andreas was a creative desire that he was keen to express. Thus he would spend many an evening in Geneva taking his designs for sets of jewellery round the major names already well established on the Rue du Rhône. Three years later, at the age of 22, Andreas and his girlfriend Marie decided to get married and both felt a visceral need to move back to Biel. Nostalgic for the countryside and all it inspired in him, he decided to set up on his own and the Andreas Altmann Company was born. He picked up his crayons once again and let his imagination run free as he began to draw. “I make all designs myself.” In order to add more value to his jewellery company, Andreas decided to equip himself with the means to carry out precision casting. Little did he realise just how big an impact this decision would have. In the beginning, this technology would interest just three clients; now, 30 years on, the number has risen to 2,000. This “almost” unexpected success, along with the growing demand from major brands, forced Andreas to specialise and continue down this route. In 1987 he created his company Altmann-Casting AG.

“I MAKE ALL DESIGNS MYSELF ”

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GIB ERG, A B U RGEON ING TR EASU R E

“A LR E A DY AS A CHILD I HAD A DIFFERENT VISION”

Altmann-Casting grew year after year until it became the market leader in Switzerland. Andreas’ role as a manager grew, at the expense of his passion: creating jewellery. Founding the Giberg brand became an obvious way for Andreas to put his creative talents back to work. From 2006 to 2011 he produced a unique sculpture: a dragon made out of 5 kilos of gold and 7,739 diamonds. Giberg was now in the starting blocks but was not yet launched. The fact was, Andreas wanted to first reassure himself his two children were ready to take over the reins of Altmann-Casting. Maison Giberg would be inaugurated in December 2016 in London at the Kensington Palace Orangery. The success of the launch would be followed up by a triumph at the 2018 Baselworld. Andreas threw himself once again into producing unique pieces, setting himself the challenge of carving a place for himself among the high-end brands of this world. His first collection was a limited edition series of watches inspired by Swan Lake. “Already as a child I had a different vision.” Now grown up, that vision persists in a signature that is Maison Giberg’s own. It is in the heart of nature, of books, of fashion and of architecture that it finds its most profound inspirations. A man of unwavering determination, Andreas is very committed and professional. When he tells us he “sees everything through to the end” it comes as no surprise! Andreas knew he could count on the support of his wife, his son Adrian (the fourth generation of jewellers) and his daughter Justine, as he followed his new path as they took over the running of the main business. He now has a staff of some 30 people. “I work with those who have strong potential,” he says while what is key to him is his relationship with his team. His clients too benefit from his good nature, his respect for them and the care he takes to ensure their satisfaction.

RIGHT PAGE Necklace: Swan necklace White gold (105gr) with 80 diamonds (0.7ct) and one aquamarine drop (48.55 ct) Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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THE NOBI LITY

OF GOLD A ND DIAMONDS

A ndreas wants to “sublimate what nature has to offer”. Here we find, once again, the man and his deep-rooted need to be close to nature and all it inspires in him. By Apolline Chaize

Andreas is fascinated by the process of discovering and rediscovering minerals and gold. He gets huge satisfaction out of embellishing matter that comes from the earth. Nature, for him, is a real treasure trove. He loves to watch the meticulous work of a stone cutter so that the sparkle is finally revealed. These steps write the story, the story of a jewel that Andreas will tell using a rare eye for beauty.

RIGHT PAGE Niura, powered by Giberg’ own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118”

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NIURA

ON E THOUSA N D A ND ONE NIGHTS

G iberg

Haute-Horlogerie

produced

its first timepiece: Niura. Inspired by the magic of the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, this is an object of perfection. To achieve this, a great deal of patience and work with a very talented watchmaker was required. The detailed thought that went into the specificity of the mechanism has resulted in a very light tourbillon. It is through such an out of the ordinary movement that Giberg stays true to its philosophy of being unique. By Apolline Chaize

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RIGHT PAGE Watch: Niura Red gold case with 2,156 diamonds (8.38 ct) and 136 rubies (2.22 ct) powered by Giberg’s own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118” lizard leather bracelet Earrings: White gold with 680 diamonds (9.02 ct) and a white feather Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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A TI M E - KEEPER AN D A FLYING TOU R B ILLON Andreas and his staff at Giberg Haute-Horlogerie create watches that combine fine watchmaking with sculptural art. With a manual-winding mechanical movement, the double-barrel Trilevis 6118 flying tourbillon offers maximum precision. Located at 6 o’clock, this bearing movement is fed by two barrels at 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock, providing the watch with a power reserve of 72 hours. The 2,156 diamonds (8.7 carats) and76 rubies set in 5N red gold render this piece majestic. The dial and caseback in anti-reflective sapphire offer a visual of rare clarity. These bursts of light express the sweet magic of Scheherazade’s stories.

CAS E AN D TEAR DROPS IN DIA MON DS The 35 mm diameter case is slipped into the centre of a 47 x 97 mm diameter structure. A ruby is placed on the right hand side as a cabochon crown. On the left is a second, decorative crown to create a delicately perfect symmetry. The case pivots on moving, studded hinges. These are designed to ensure the watch encircles the wrist of any wearer perfectly. Diamond-studded teardrops link the edges of the case to the lizard leather strap. This subtle designer detail of fine watchmaking elevates the object to the ultimate in femininity.

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OLOR A S WA N L A K E

A ndreas Altmann is a thoughtful man and a dreamer who often combines his artistic creativity with a romantic tale. “I really like to take a theme further,” he admits. And his first collection of watches proves this – its inspiration comes from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. By Apolline Chaize

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A TALE AT TH E H EART OF TH E PIECE The ode to femininity that is Giberg Haute Horlogerie finds its echo in the symbol of the swan. It is a symbol of light, of love and of purity. These three concepts dominate each piece created by Maison Giberg. Andreas takes purity to its paroxysm in the choice of the finest stones. He provokes bursts of light with the meticulousness of the craftsmanship of the diamonds. He toys with love in offering a meaningful interpretation of the piece.

Each piece offers its owner a long dream. It is in the details that the romantic touch is to be found; tales that Andreas tells through the object. Olora is a fine example. This homage to the Swan Lake ballet is revealed in transparent sapphires, a tourbillon that dances in the air beneath twinkling stars, swans that chase each other around the case… The mystifying minutia stands out through the Trilevis 6118 flying tourbillon and the 70 diamonds set in a 40.5 mm diameter white gold case. The highlight of the dial is in blue ceramic. This shade plays with the reflections of 11 sapphire indexes. Between the case and the strap are two clasps set with 64 diamonds in the shape of a swan. A light piece, Olora plays with purity through its reflections, the materials used and its shape.

RIGHT PAGE Watch: Olora, White gold and ceramic sapphire case with 11 sapphires and 134 diamonds, powered by Giberg’s own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118” European cowhide bracelet with natural grain Ring: White gold with 572 diamonds (5.47 ct) 30 baguettes (1.71 ct) and two black diamonds (0.01 ct) Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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A L AGA R O

HIGHEST PRECISION W R A PPED W ITH P OW E R F U L NOBL E S S E

T his is not a watch for the average. The Alagaro was created for the independent mind, for those who have chosen their own way through life. A men’s watch destined to be your faithful companion on unexpected, challenging and adventurous paths to new possibilities. The Alagaro reflects your own personality in timeless beauty and irresistible gracefulness: highest precision wrapped with powerful noblesse. Alagaro is an ultra-limited single-item watch available as an individual customized edition. Alagaro’s stunning precision comes from the Trilevis 6118, the revolutionary new Flying Tourbillon, developed and engineered from the ground up by Giberg Haute Horlogerie exclusively for its own watch collection. The Alagaro has a sapphire ceramic case with yellow gold, a diamond bezel set, a sapphire dial with brilliant index and a brown Alligator bracelet.

LEFT PAGE Watch: Giberg Alagaro «All Black» Edition

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“ C R E AT I N G S PAC E FO R BEAUT Y”

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AU T H E N T I C

BE AU T Y

G iberg stands by its values and know-how by aiming for unique aesthetic originality. By Apolline Chaize

Each piece is made up of the most beautiful and precious stones. The whole piece is crafted from start to finish, requiring incredible skills. As well as a story which begins in the mind of a designer, goldsmith and setter, Giberg is also about a philosophy: “Creating space for beauty rather than (soulless) perfection.” To quote Andreas, “Perfection produced by machines can be boring.” Refusing to abide by the rules of marketing, Andreas creates only what inspires him. For him, freedom is being authentic. For the Maison Giberg, this authenticity is also found in sticking to limited series. “A creation must be exceptional and personalised so that it becomes the piece of jewellery for the client,” explains Andreas. What he is looking for is for each client to fall in love with what he has created for them and that that love should be accompanied with pride each time the client wears it.

LEFT PAGE 3 Niura watches and 1 Olora watch below Photo © Sandra Fourqui

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SWISS NOBLE FORGE O ut of “Giberg Swiss Noble Forge” was born the “Giberg Haute Horlogerie” label in 2017. For both of them, Andreas would say: “Art, passion, innovation. Giberg expresses it all.” Giberg Swiss Noble Forge is represented by a powerful symbol of life: Ahton. The sculpture of a dragon that has become legendary. By Apolline Chaize

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“THE ONE WHO SEES, THE ONE WHO THINKS” THE BEGINNING OF THE LEGEND It took five years’ hard work for Andreas to build his own legend. It is represented through the symbol of Ahton, “the one who sees, the one who thinks”. A dragon in a ferocious pose, with a captivating armour illuminated by diamonds, stretching its majestic wings, roaring for all the world to hear. Andreas’ talent rendered an artistic recreation of all this phantasmagorical power, using skills beyond the reach of all but a few great specialists.

AN ELITIST, ARTISTIC INTER PR ETATION The detail and the cutting-edge techniques used in this mystical sculpture render it matchless. And the five years of work needed to make it prove to clients that at Giberg the notion of limits does not exist; neither time, matter nor dreams will prevent a design from being created. Giberg “has become one of the most accomplished specialists in terms of managing and working the best materials in the world”. This obvious fact cannot but make an impression.

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AHTON

A DR AG ON F OR A L L T I M E S

W e generally think of dragons as ferocious beasts, breathing fire and spreading destruction. But Ahton is quite different. A mischievous, friendly dragon, he is renowned for playing tricks on men, gods, dwarfs and giants by planting crazy ideas in their minds but he also solves problems and is called the “Keeper of Confidence”. By Samantha King

According to legend, dragons were the keepers of the First World. Although the youngest of them, it was generally agreed that whatever decision Ahton made it would be the right one. So when the Keepers were faced with an unsolvable problem, they called on Ahton. The problem was this: a human man and a giantess on a remote island had fallen desperately in love – something that had never happened before - and had had twins. The boy and girl were complete opposites and were a most unfortunate combination of their parents. The girl was the purest goddess while the boy was a murky dwarf. If they were separated from each other they would scream and howl until hearts broke and castles crumbled. But if too close, they would scratch and bite each other in a ferocious way. The parents lived in dread of their offspring while the gods and

dwarfs rejected them too. The Keepers turned to Ahton, hoping he could find a solution and save the world from destruction. He arrived to find the twins tied to rocks at separate ends of their remote island home. Their screams had brought down a thick fog while the tide was so scared it refused to come in and the shore was littered with dead fish. Ahton settled midway between the twins and all gathered round to hear how the youngest keeper would persuade the gods and dwarfs to look after their respective twin. But instead he set them to work. He told the giants to pluck thick strands from their hair, the men to collect the firmest wood ever felled, the gods to capture their two fastest clouds and the dwarfs to fetch tools. All bent to Anton’s will but were not convinced he was on the right path. And when they saw how Ahton had braided the giant’s hair

into four reins and made two carriages from the wood, they cried out, terrified he would free the twins. But Ahton simply ignored their increasingly desperate questions. Using all his strength, he fetched the snarling children and seated them in the carriages. First he let earth’s brightest daughter shoot into the sky. Once she had raced half way round the world, he released the boy who set off on the same path. It soon became clear to those below that the brother would forever follow his sister aloft. The siblings would not be named but we call them day and night and they’ve chased each other ever since. This is how time came to the First World. Ahton never asked himself how he knew what to do - he just followed his inspiration. And it is because of this self-trust that he is known as “Ahton, Keeper of Confidence”.

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C L AU D E NOBS CHALETS A S TAT U E I N T H E N A M E OF JA Z Z

A ndreas Altmann is also a great lover of many kinds of music, including jazz. Every year, he and Marie attend the Montreux Jazz Festival. Following the tragic death of the festival’s founder, Claude Nobs, Andreas was given the opportunity of spending a night in his legendary chalet – a chalet the greatest stars from the world of jazz are familiar with and a chalet renowned for an atmosphere found nowhere else in the world. Andreas and Marie had the privilege of sharing a raclette with the great Quincy Jones. During the evening, guests began discussing their wish to erect a statue to commemorate Claude Nobs. Andreas offered to build the statue, despite the fact that in many minds, a jeweller is not a sculptor. That didn’t stop Andreas and his staff creating the work and donating it to the town of Montreux. On the day of its unveiling, Andreas and Marie were invited to Claude Nobs Chalets for a private evening with Grace Jones. “We will never forget that evening. Grace Jones promised to take a photo next to the statue of Claude Nobs. The next day, she kept her word.” The statue now stands proudly in the garden of the Montreux Palace where it is much admired. www.claudenobs.com - password: funkyclaude

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MONTREU X

A N ENCH A NTED BREA K FOR A N U N PA R A L L E L E D F E S T I VA L

O ver the last half century, the Montreux Jazz Festival has become a not-to-be-missed date for the summer, bringing together artists and the public against a backdrop of idyllic countryside. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing festival.

AN ECLECTIC PROGR A M M E FOR A U N IQ U E ATMOS PH ER E Every summer, for two weeks, music-lovers converge on this peaceful town of 26,000 inhabitants, renowned for its quality of life. The Montreux Jazz Festival has grown in importance year on year from 1967 to become an iconic event drawing crowds of 250,000. They come to delight in performances by internationally-known artists and to spot up-and-coming new talents. Despite its size, Montreux strives to maintain a feeling of intimacy by restricting performances to smaller auditoriums that can offer both comfort and remarkable acoustics.

MONTR EUX: A J EW EL ON TH E SW ISS R IVIER A The festival’s organisers also stress the convivial and bucolic aspects of the event. It has to be said that the Montreux area is part of the Vaud Riviera which has always attracted visitors. Indeed the Montreux Jazz Festival is set in stunning landscape, offering wonderful panoramas of the lake and an unparalleled view

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of the Vaud Alps and the mountains of Chablais, Lavaux and the Jura. And the icing on the cake is that the town of Montreux enjoys a micro climate because of its south-west exposition which protects it from winds. But it happily makes way for a breath of fresh air brought in by the concerts performed on a variety of stages.

AN U N INTER RU P TED PAR ADE OF GR EAT ARTISTS FROM TH E START The Montreux Jazz Festival has always headlined some of the greatest names in jazz such as the legendary Duke Ellington, Sonny Rollins, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles and Bill Evans. Miles Davis came eight times between 1971 and 1991, while B. B. King performed here more than 20 times. Quincy Jones, patron of the event, was co-producer for the 1991 to 1993 editions. Montreux has also made room, over the years, for some major artists from other fields, for example Santana, Deep Purple and Eric Clapton, while yet more attended Montreux Super Pop

between 1969 and 1974. And current line-ups are just as impressive – as was evident at the 51st edition which saw the likes of Beth Ditto, Benjamin Biolay, Usher and The Roots and other famous contemporary jazz artists. And the event continues to open up to other musical repertoires (rock, pop, electro and R ‘n’ B), constantly enhancing the festival to the huge delight of spectators.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND LEFT TO RIGHT - Quincy Jones, Bono and Claude Nobs at the Apollo Theater, NYC - Andreas Altmann and Grace Jones at Palace Fairmont Montreux - Elton John and Claude Nobs at TBD - Keith Richards, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Claude Nobs and Ronnie Wood at Claude Nobs’ Chalets, Montreux © MS - Paul Mc Cartney, Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra), Claude Nobs and Joe Walsh (The Eagles) at Quincy Jones’ mansion, Los Angeles © MS - Quincy Jones and Andreas Altmann at Funky Claude’s Bar, Montreux - Quincy Jones and Marie Altmann at Claude Nobs’ Chalets, Montreux

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WA T C H CITY

T he President of Watch-City Biel-Bienne, a platform that brings together the players of the capital of Swiss watchmaking, Andreas

Altman is an influential sponsor of sports from Biel and its values – in a way that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. By Apolline Chaize

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How did the Watch City Biel/Bienne Association come about?

that was how I decided to start the Watch City Biel/ Bienne association.

In 2011, FC Biel played in the quarter finals of the Swiss Cup against the mighty FC Basel. For this “historic” match for Biel, broadcast live on television, the club needed to find a sponsor prepared to pay out CHF 20,000 to appear on the player’s shirts. I was very disappointed to see that no-one wanted to commit themselves and that’s when a great idea popped into my head. Given that Biel is a bilingual watch town, we had to make it so that everyone got involved, the French speakers and the German speakers. I designed the Watch City Biel/Bienne logo, bought 80 tickets at CHF 60 for the match and managed to resell them for CHF 500 each to Biel watch brands and their sub-contractors. So I raised CHF 40,000 which enabled me to finance the shirts and pre-match drinks. Biel pulled out all the stops to beat Basel 3-1;

What values does Watch City champion?

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Personally I played sport throughout my youth and I have always been aware of the positive impact that has had on my private and professional life. When, at the age of 35, I was coaching a football club for 9-13-year-olds (including my son, Adrian), I already had the idea of passing on sporting values to children. With Watch City I remain true to those values and still support clubs that carry out excellent work with juniors. The motivation just grows and grows when I see all these youths wearing our logo on their club shirts.

What impact has your association had on watchmaking’s image?

What has been your most satisfying achievement thanks to Watch City?

People from Biel are proud of their town and their watches. By creating the Watch City platform, watchmakers have been given a chance to sponsor sport in Biel without showcasing their own labels, which raises visibility for Biel watchmaking in general and is much appreciated by locals.

First of all, I am proud to be the president of the idea I made real by creating Watch City and I’m proud of having brought together more than 100 companies who pay an annual subscription depending on their member status. All this money, about half a million Swiss francs, is distributed every year to sports clubs chosen by us. I’m also really happy to be able to have paid tribute to the capital of Swiss watchmaking.

What are Watch City’s ambitions for the future? Every year my committee and I organise a VIP gala for all our members. My greatest ambition would be for this to become the event not to miss in Biel. After that, I would like our Watch City logo to be recognised beyond our region and for our Watch City Biel/ Bienne label to become a badge of honour.

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A LT M A N N CASTI NG A FA M I LY S U C C E S S ST ORY

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F ounded in 1987, Altmann Casting’s success is down to a combination of Andreas Altmann’s youthful sporting ambitions and the unshakeable faith of his wife Marie. And then there are their children, Adrian and Justine. Both highly talented, they have been working in the company for more than 10 years now. By Apolline Chaize

WOR KING FOR TODAY AN D FOR TOMOR ROW Adrian and Justine, two names that carry Altmann Casting’s DNA. As well as being Andreas’ children, Adrian and Justine have also had passed on to them “those values essential for successfully maintaining a company’s high standing and staying competitive on the market,” explains their father. After having proved their worth as Financial Officer (business training with professional matriculation) for Justine and Project Manager (goldsmith’s training) for Adrian, Andreas handed over the reins of Altmann Casting to them. This freed him up to make his own dream come true by devoting himself to his brand, Giberg. A business’s success also depends very much on its staff. “You can find quality colleagues when you respect them,” says Andreas. This emphasis on strong relationships is evident in the loyalty shown by members of staf and outside partners.

TH E COM M ITM ENT OF A M AN AN D A COM PANY Andreas Altmann is a man committed to his company, the environment and the Biel-Seeland region. He encourages creativity by ensuring a pleasant working space which includes strategic meeting areas to foster the exchange of information between employees. The company’s premises are also exemplary from an environmental viewpoint. They are fitted with all the equipment needed to keep the use of natural resources down to a minimum. The firm is also involved in the world around it and is the main sponsor of the Swiss Goldsmiths’ Championship. Its regional commitments provide support for bodies such as the association for jewellery trades in French-speaking Switzerland, ASMEBI. And, given Andreas’s sporting youth and his ongoing love of high-level sports, together with the Watch City Biel/Bienne association he supports various teams and their youth wings such as HC Biel-Bienne, FC Biel and athletics squads etc.

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CAT E R I NA MURINO THE DIAMOND BOND GIRL

S he is constantly on location around the world for film after film but Caterina Murino did manage to take some time out in Paris for Maison Giberg. The James Bond Girl in Casino Royale, with her subtle, penetrating beauty, Caterina embodies the femininity, elegance and character of the Giberg collections. By Apolline Chaize - Photo © Sony Pictures

LA M AISON GIB ERG

“Maison Giberg’s expertise really brings out the best in a woman.” Caterina Murino talks of “the interesting soul” revealed in the Giberg collections. An “eclectic soul which leaves a mark on the public” through one-off pieces. She describes the collections in three words: femininity, elegance and luxury.

TH E N I U R A WATCH

Caterina notes the “masculine connection” created by the impressive nature of this model which verges on a work of art. At the same time, she stresses the feminine strength of a watch which happily stands alone. “There is no need to wear any other pieces of fine jewellery with this watch; it’s a sublime piece for a red carpet or a special evening.”

TH E GIB ERG DESIGN

Caterina describes the design of these collections as being “timeless”. “These jewels cannot be tied down to

a particular time in history,” she says. The models are “neither too classic nor too modern” but are part of that which belongs to infinity.

B R INGING OUT TH E B EAUT Y IN WOM AN

For Caterina, these pieces from Maison Giberg enhance not only a woman’s outfit but all that she represents. The sculptural elegance of the jewel, embellished with precious materials, adds an undeniably luxurious aspect to a woman’s beauty.

AN DR EAS AN D M AR IE ALTM AN N

“They are a delightful and modest couple, extraordinary human beings.” Says Caterina, the jewellery “physically bears the energy that Andreas and Marie Altmann represent”. As a lover of precious stones, Caterina declares that each of these unique pieces radiates “an extraordinarily positive energy”.

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G I B E R G PA Y S TR I BU TE TO T H E S TA R S 56

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LEFT PAGE Ring: White gold with 242 diamonds and 1 Japanese Akoya pearl Necklace: White gold with 1292 diamonds (3.38 ct) and 145 japanese Akoya pearls Earrings: White gold with 604 diamonds Watch: Niura , White gold with 2,651 diamonds (9.17 ct) and 76 sapphire (1.31 ct) RIGHT PAGE Watch: Niura, Red gold case with 2,156 diamonds (8,38 ct) and 136 rubies (2,22 ct), powered by Giberg’s own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118”, lizard leather bracelet

I sabelle Adjani, Miss Universe, Caterina Murino, Ilona Smet, Jade Lagardère to name but a few… Giberg has always been tied to the destiny of exceptional women, sublimating them with style and light. Scintillating diamonds, rare pearls, evanescent feathers, all these women have a story and at the heart of their eternal beauty, Giberg leaves its share of glittering magic for your eyes only. Photos © Sandra Fourqui

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Watch: Olora, White gold and ceramic sapphire case with 11 sapphires and 134 diamonds powered by Giberg’s own flying tourbillon “Trilevis 6118”

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Necklace: White gold with 1,292 diamonds (3.38 ct) and 145 japanese Akoya pearls

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THE G S TA A D PA L A C E

S TA R - S T U DDE D LU X U RY I N T H E A L P S

T he Gstaad Palace is one of the most glittering jewels in the crown of this illustrious Alpine haunt of the rich and famous – so it comes as little surprise that its boutique windows sparkle with Giberg’s creations. The Palace has known many ups and downs since it began more than a century ago, but it has always come out on top! By Venetia Bell-Valim

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The opening of the railway line from Montreux in 1904 heralded the start of tourism in Gstaad. In 1905 Robert Steffen, a local secondary school teacher bought land with the intention of building a hotel. Construction began on the Oberbort in 1911; a project budgeted at CHF 2.5 million. The hotel opened in 1913 and the first season was so successful that plans for extensions were drawn up and a ballroom opened in 1916. During the First World War the number of guests dropped and the costs of heating coal were so astronomical that the hotel found itself in the red. With a change in management, the Palace enjoyed a heyday in the second half of the 1920s during which time a large outdoor pool and a golf course were built. The Great Depression resulted in the appreciation of the Swiss franc and a corresponding drop in the number of guests, despite the launching of the first sleigh lift cable car on the Wispile. It wasn’t until the value of the Swiss franc dropped again in 1936 that bookings picked up. The number of overnight stays was halved during the Second World War. A solid vault and emergency shelter were built under the Palace terrace as a

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precaution in 1939/40. Gold was stored there among other valuables and important documents. This room is now the Fromagerie Restaurant. Not only did the end of the war bring a return of guests, a brand new heating system halved costs. This should have been a time for rejoicing but upon retiring the long-standing President of the Board of Directors sold 45 percent of his shares to an infamous speculator and it was feared that the hotel would close. With the support of the village doctor, the hotel’s Director Ernst Scherz managed to raise the necessary capital to buy back the shares. Gala dinners with international stars were the glamorous highlights of the winter season in the 1960s. Among the first was Marlene Dietrich, followed by an impressive list including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald as well as Maurice Chevalier, Gilbert Bécaud, Dionne Warwick and Petula Clark. Ernst Andrea Scherz took over management of the hotel from his father in 1969. An indoor pool, sauna and health centre as well as the GreenGo Nightclub were added, making the Palace, if possible, even more the only place to be in Gstaad.

LEFT PAGE Baroness Nadine von Rothschild with Sophia Loren in the ‘70s RIGHT PAGE Deluxe suite detail

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The 21 apartments of the Résidence were finished in 1980 and the project of modernisation completed in 1990, including the ballroom (renamed Salle Baccarat), an extension of the Grande Terrasse and the Salle Piero conference room. Les Chalets du Palace followed in 1996. Andrea Scherz became the third generation of his family to be involved, taking over as General Manager in 2000, the same year the spectacular Penthouse suites were ready for guests, followed by the Tower Suites. Brother Thierry Scherz co-founded Les Sommets Musicaux de Gstaad, which continue to enchant the public every winter. In 2008, the Palace was connected to the SaanenGstaad District heating network. As its largest consumer, the hotel is an important supporter of this project. The hotel and four surrounding buildings are heated with renewable energy from local wood. The entire hotel is equipped with pioneering LED lighting technology. The following year the Palace took over an alpine hut on the Alp Walig. Built in 1783 at 1,700 metres above sea level for summer dairy and cattle farming, it has been respectfully renovated and offers guests an authentic mountain experience against a breath-taking backdrop of Les Diablerets mountain range. Not only has the Palace been used as a set for European feature films, TV series and documentaries, three Bollywood productions have also been made here. However the stars also come here for pleasure and the guest book is like a roll call of the rich and famous over the decades. In no particular order: Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Madonna, Ivana Trump, Sheikh Yamani, David Bowie, Marc Chagall, Joan Crawford, Ava Gardner, Richard Gere, Audrey Hepburn, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra to name but a few. The Palace wishes to make its guests comfortable in every possible way, and for habitués to avoid carting bulky luggage every season, this includes storing belongings without charge for up to 20 years, after which time a polite reminder is sent. But the management is accommodating in other more unusual ways. One year during the Winter Olympics, in order to provide a rather short gentleman with an unobstructed view of the valley, the mountains and the village without any annoying railings, the floor was raised by 60 centimetres and then carpeted! Can you beat that for service?

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PHOTOS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM AND LEFT TO RIGHT Gstaad Palace Exterior Winter Gildo’s Ristorante GreenGo Indoor Pool

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ST MORITZ T H E J E T- S E T R E S O R T OF THE SWISS ALPS

I n the heart of the stunning landscape of the Engadin Valley lies the resort of St Moritz. Renowned as a watering hole for numerous celebrities from the four corners of the earth, this winter sports centre is also famous for the quality of its infrastructure, enabling guests to enjoy horse-riding, bobsleighing and kitesurfing as well as skiing.

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St Moritz is, without doubt, one of the most jet-set resorts in the Alps. Artists and stars flock here to enjoy the luxury hotels, the casino and the number of attractions it has to offer in winter and summer alike. Brigitte Bardot and Alfred Hitchcock were past regulars while more recently, retired footballer Ronaldo decided to spend his holidays here. St Moritz is also famous for hosting, every year, the prestigious St Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow event as well as horse racing on the frozen lake, the White Turf St Moritz International Horse Races, in February. And it has the only natural ice bobsleigh track in the world which attracts international athletes every winter. In fact it is largely down to this incredible track that the resort got to organise the Winter Olympics twice, as well as bobsleigh world championship races. The mountains of Corviglia, Diavolezza and Corvatsch are covered in downhill and cross-country pistes which are a delight for skiers and snowboarders alike. St Moritz is a resort that is busy all year round. In the summer, culture and music take over from skis and skates with the Engadin Festival, an international

classical music festival. There is also the prestigious St Moritz Art Masters during which various artists present their works. As soon as the weather is fine, the lake also welcomes kitesurfers and windsurfers surrounded by the splendid natural beauty of the snow-capped peaks and the valleys. For those who prefer to unwind in a more relaxing way, the Medical Therapy Centre and Spa has everything you could possibly wish for in the most luxurious surroundings. Finally, if you want to really appreciate the sumptuous panoramas the valley has to offer, the Bernina Express is ideal. This scenic route train runs along one of the most spectacular railway line in Europe, taking you through St Moritz and on to Val Poschiavo. And finally, this fashionable resort has a space entirely devoted to shopping, with all the major luxury brands, and gastronomic mountain restaurants too. As well as the famous Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, St Moritz is home to numerous five-star establishments, meaning you really can enjoy a dream holiday in the heart of Switzerland’s snowy mountains.

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BA DRU T T ’S A PA L A C E T R U L Y F I T F OR R OYA LT Y

I n French, the term “palace” is applied to hotels that really are top class. In the case of Badrutt’s, the word seems almost an understatement. A real landmark on the St Moritz skyline with its imposing, neoGothic architecture, Badrutt’s combines its rich history – it has been running for more than 120 years - with every modern luxury you could think of so guests come away feeling truly pampered.

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Badrutt’s doesn’t so much have a lobby as a Great Hall, the vaulted ceiling over the central nave making this truly a temple to everything “five-star” is meant to represent. To give you an idea of the size of the lobby, the hotel once arranged for a live elephant to put in an appearance – all because a guest wanted to host a very special birthday party for his wife. And then of course there was that time a pool party was livened up by the addition of a few sea lions! Yes, parties at Badrutt’s really are spectacular.

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As is the hotel’s spa which is accessed via an underground tunnel carved through rock, a theme continued in the main indoor pool where you can dive off rocks into the water. The entire spa complex was remodelled by wellness expert Martha Wiedemann to ensure complete relaxation. A team of 30 wellness experts are on hand, providing coaching, incredible Ayurvedic massages and even yoga sessions for children. Not forgetting the two spa suites for a truly unique experience. All this and magnificent views of the lake too.

LEFT PAGE Grand hall RIGHT PAGE Hotel Exterior

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LEFT PAGE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Terrace suite Indoor pool winter RIGHT PAGE The Coupole Restaurant

It was these views that inspired Alfred Hitchcock with ideas for his films. He stayed at Badrutt’s so often that a suite is named after him. It is one of 41 suites, the biggest being the Hans Badrutt suite which can be extended to cover 280 m² and include five bedrooms. In all the rooms it is the attention to detail that really strikes guests, such as noting the preferences of returning guests and the hot water bottle placed in your bed in case you feel chilly. As for dining, Mr Hitchcock must have loved Badrutt’s afternoon teas, reputed to be the best in St Moritz. They include everything from cucumber sandwiches to 28 varieties of tea. There are also five different dining areas in the main hotel and three more in the Chesa Veglia, a converted farmhouse that forms part of

the Badrutt’s complex. Between them, they offer everything from traditional Swiss fare to Japanese-Peruvian cuisine from Chef Nobu in what was once the first indoor tennis court in Europe! Not forgetting IGNIV by Andreas Caminada, with its famous sharing dishes – just perfect when holidaying with family or friends. It seems as though Badrutt’s, founded in 1896, offers something new every year and this year it is adding a 1,350 m² Hauser & Wirth exhibition space over three floors of its shopping complex, Palace Galerie. Designed by architect Luis Laplace, the debut exhibition is of French-American artist, Louise Bourgeois.

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S A I N TTROPEZ

DE ST I NAT ION GLA MOU R

W ith

its private beaches, its stars,

itsÂ endless parties and its yachts, SaintTropez is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for the jet set! This success did not just happen overnight - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s explained by the many assets of this fabulous town where the word Riviera has become synonymous with La Dolce Vita.

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It was in the Sixties, thanks to the gorgeous Brigitte Bardot, that this resort on the French Riviera became within the space of a few years the place to go for the in-crowd. Ever since BB bought her now famous villa, La Madrague, villas belonging to stars and billionaires have sprung up all around the town. Saint-Tropez is now a cool destination with a “hippy chic” vibe, where celebrities like to gather to sunbathe or shop in the boutiques that line the streets of the town centre. The days end as dawn breaks at private parties in sumptuous villas overlooking the coast or on the waterfront. Just a few kilometres along the coast, jet-setters hang out at the legendary Les Caves du

Roy nightclub, which attracts an elite clientele every year. But Saint-Tropez is not only about the glitz and the glamour. The resort has many other aspects which make it a chic, romantic and fashionable destination! “Saint-Trop”, as some like to call it, has come to symbolise the good life in the South of France, the glamour of the French Riviera, the charm of the Mediterranean Dolce Vita. It boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, the bright sunshine of the seaside, turquoise waters where you can swim in temperatures above 20 ° C - in short, a romantic ray of sunshine beside the sea… Saint-Tropez is a chic and relaxed place which is, in the words of Serge Gainsbourg, “quite literally in the sun”.

GIBERG’S A DDRESSES I N S A I N T-T R O P E Z TAHITI BEACH - Pinet neighbourhood, 83350 Ramatuelle Located on the magnificent beach of Pampelonne, Andreas and Marie Altmann love to treat themselves to a little time out in this chic and private spot. Having built up a close relationship with the owners, Tahiti Beach brings back many happy memories. These include dinner with Johnny Hallyday at the hotel’s restaurant and gentle strolls in the sand when all is quiet on the beach. CAFÉ SÉNÉQUIER - 29 Quai Jean Jaurès, 83990 Saint-Tropez The Café Sénéquier found fame when it was used in films such as And God Created Woman and The Troops of Saint-Tropez. Its traditional décor and its history have made this a legendary spot. Andreas and Marie love joining friends here and spending long hours on the terrace watching the world go by on the quay. Contemplating life and enjoying delicious food, surrounded by friends – the Café Sénéquier is the perfect spot for taking a break. QUAI JEAN JAURÈS - 83990 Saint-Tropez Andreas finds a great deal of inspiration in the little village that is Saint-Tropez, especially along the Quai Jean Jaurès. A quay that is cradled by the crowd and moves to the rhythm of the sea, with its vibrant, pastel-coloured façades and a backbeat provided by vintage Citroën Méharis as the sun glints off the immaculate hulls of the berthed yachts… This inspiration is behind many of Andreas’ new ideas. That’s another reason why Marie and Andreas are always delighted to come back to Saint-Tropez time and time again.

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GI BERG

BAC K S TAG E

F rom Paris to Saint-Tropez, see what went on behind the scenes during Blush Dream magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo shoots.

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“ALL STAR LINE UP” ISABELLE ADJANI

MEGHAN MARKLE

JADE LAGARDÈRE, PENELOPE CRUZ IRIS MITTENAERE, CATERINA MURINO

YEARS

N°20 20

YEARS

JADE LAGARDÈRE

MEGHAN MARKLE

ISABELLE ADJANI, PENELOPE CRUZ IRIS MITTENAERE, CATERINA MURINO N°20 20

9 771699 670218 5 FR€ - £6

YEARS

“ALL STAR LINE UP”

CATERINA MURINO MEGHAN MARKLE

ISABELLE ADJANI, PENELOPE CRUZ JADE LAGARDÈRE, IRIS MITTENAERE

YEARS

N°20 20

9 771699 670218 5 FR€ - £6

“ALL STAR LINE UP”

IRIS MITTENAERE MEGHAN MARKLE

ISABELLE ADJANI, PENELOPE CRUZ JADE LAGARDÈRE, CATERINA MURINO N°20 20

9 771699 670218 5 FR€ - £6

2018

9 771699 670218 5 FR€ - £6

“ALL STAR LINE UP”

L I

m a g a z i n e

REBELLION MAGAZINE BY BLUSH

by blush dream

LES EDITIONS BLUSH

E XC LUS I V E LU X U RY M AGA Z I N E S FOR U N IQU E BR A N DS & A DDRESSES Founded in 2008, Blush Dream magazine has been developing its expertise for hotels for six years now. The art of fine living and bespoke articles provide high-end supports, showcasing each establishment, from shabby chic to super-modern. As specialists in luxury publishing, we are able to steer your project. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!

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GSTA A D PA LACE SW ITZER LAN D

Palacestrasse 28 • 3780 Gstaad • Phone: +41 33 748 50 00 • info@palace.ch • palace.ch