Scarlett Johansson wore a green Emilio Pucci dress last night to attend Moët & Chandon’s 250th Anniversary party in Moscow. Before heading into the bash, she posed for pictures with the CEO of Moët Hennessy Russia, Frank Floc’hlay. As the face of the Champagne brand, Scarlett’s travelled the world for promotional events since linking up with Moët in 2009. More recently, Scarlett’s been hanging out in Paris with boyfriend Nate Naylor and even making the rounds at a few Fashion Week parties.
Jean Taittinger, honorary chairman of Champagne Taittinger, passed away September 23 at the age of 89. Taittinger, father of the Champagne house’s current president and CEO Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, was co-owner of not only the Taittinger Champagne business but also the luxury hotel group Société du Louvre. In addition, he was prominently involved in politics; was mayor of Reims from 1957-1977; and was the French Secretary of State for Finance, Minister of Justice and Minister of State from 1971-1974 under President Georges Pompidou. Jean’s brother Claude, who retired in 2006, was a long-time head of Champagne Taittinger.
Source: Shanken News
British luxury designer, Anya Hindmarch has been announced winner of The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2012. Anya beat stiff competition from finalists Helena Morrissey of Newton Investment Management and Ruth Rogers, founder and chef, of the hugely successful River Café in London.
Drawing upon her natural passion for accessories and design, Anya started her business at the age of 19. Since then, she has spearheaded the business growth from her first retail outlet, an intimate first floor shop on London’s Walton Street, to fifty seven shops worldwide, including a London flagship on Sloane Street and a Tokyo flagship in Aoyama, with a New York flagship opening in the New Year.
In 2009, Anya Hindmarch was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contribution to the British fashion industry. Two years later in 2011, she became a UK Trade Ambassador as well as becoming a Non-Executive Director of the British Fashion Council. She is also a trustee of both The Royal Academy and The Design Museum and a Governor of The University of The Arts. Her support of the next generation of British entrepreneurs, most notably through the Government’s ‘Start Up Britain’ campaign was also cited by the judges as a key reason as to why she was awarded the prestigious accolade.
Anya’s commitment to be a socially responsibly business was also welcomed by the judging panel, most notably for the charity promotion, ‘Be a Bag’ project and her ability to inspire change by making it fashionable not to use plastic bags with her iconic ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ campaign, launched in 2007.
Also noteworthy was her 2009 launch of Anya Hindmarch Bespoke. This launch was perfectly timed as consumers increasingly sought investment pieces that were unique, beautifully crafted and personalised. The Bespoke collection is for both men and women and allows customers to personalise their pieces with hand written messages and drawings that are embossed into the leather by Craftsman based in the Pont Street store.
“It is the greatest honour to win the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman award in its 40th year. It is a very real compliment to be deemed to share some of the qualities of Veuve Clicquot herself who was clearly a brave and pioneering woman but also to even be considered amongst my fellow finalists, Helena Morrissey and Ruthie Rogers who are both brilliant businesswomen and lovely people.” Anya Hindmarch
“We are delighted that the judges have selected a winner who fully embraces the spirit of the Award and can provide inspiration for the next generation of female entrepreneurs in the UK. In a year that British fashion has never been under the spotlight more, Anya has proven that commercial triumph alongside pursuing a responsible business is more than achievable and it is wonderful to see such a shining example of business success.” Christina Jesaitis, Senior Brand Manager, Veuve Clicquot
In addition to receiving a silver trophy shaped as a La Grande Dame bottle and a case of La Grande Dame 2004, Anya Hindmarch will take part in the Veuve Clicquot International Women of Influence Forum at the Veuve Clicquot Maison in Reims in October 2012. This event will gather previous winners from across the globe for a unique occasion to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Award. The winner will visit the Manoir de Verzy and the House’s vineyards, where she will have a vine baptized in her name recognizing her legacy and life-long relationship with Veuve Clicquot.
Liz Palmer
Geschrieben und fotografiert von Liz Palmer
Diese Fotoreportage ist eine Sammlung von Fotos, die während meinem Interview mit Richard Geoffroy gemacht wurden. Sie übermitteln die Ausdrücke und Bewegungen des Kellermeisters Dom Pérignon.
Auf dem Land der Abtei
Ich habe Richard Geoffroy an der Abtei Hautvillers getroffen, himmlisches Heim im Champagne, wo der Benediktiner Mönch Dom Pierre Pérignon im 17. Jahrhundert Forschung über Champagnerweine betrieb.
Richard Geoffroy war Kellermeister für Moët & Chandons Cuvée Dom Pérignon 20 Jahre lang und er hat nicht vor, innezuhalten. Freundlich und entspannt, empfängt er mich mit einem warmen Lächeln.
Weinprobe
Der Wissenschaftler am Werk: konzentriert, passt er auf kleinere Details auf und eifert nach Vollkommenheit – Weine widerspiegeln generell ihre Winzer. Ich war total begeistert, Wein mit einem internationalen Virtuose des Champagners zu kosten. Ich bremste mich allerdings mit eleganter Mäßigung.
Richard Geoffroys Kommentare:
“Ich strebe nach einer übergangslosen, seidenartigen Textur, aber keiner belastenden oder mächtigen Struktur.”
“Dom Pérignon muss leidenschaftlich und lang sein.”
“Dom Pérignons Ziel ist, Freude und Vergnügen zu beschaffen!” Richard Geoffroy
“Perfekt ausgewogen!” Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses
Rédigé et mis en images par Liz Palmer
Ce reportage photographique est un recueil d’images prises lors de mon interview avec Richard Geoffroy, chef de cave de Dom Pérignon, révélant ses expressions et mouvements du moment.
En extérieur, sur les terres de l’abbaye
J’ai rencontré Richard Geoffroy à l’abbaye d’Hautvillers, la céleste demeure de Champagne où au 17e siècle, un moine bénédictin du nom de Dom Pierre Pérignon mena des recherches et des expérimentations sur les vins de Champagne.
Richard Geoffroy fut chef de cave pendant près de 20 ans chez Moët & Chandon pour la cuvée Dom Pérignon, et il n’a pas l’intention de s’arrêter là. Il m’accueille d’un sourire chaleureux, l’air sympathique et détendu.
Dégustation
Le scientifique en pleine action : concentré, attentif au moindre détail, aspirant à la perfection…les vins reflètent généralement la personnalité du vigneron. J’étais plus qu’enchantée d’assister à une dégustation avec un virtuose du champagne de renommée internationale. Toutefois je me contins, ne laissant paraître que modération et sobriété.
Commentaires de Richard Geoffroy:
« Je recherche une texture soyeuse, sans accroc. Je ne veux pas de quelque chose de lourd ou de puissant. »
« Le Dom Pérignon doit être vibrant et long. »
« Ce qui importe est que le Dom Pérignon procure du plaisir et de la joie ! » Richard Geoffroy
« Un équilibre parfait ! » Liz Palmer
Liz Palmer @champagnehouses
Written and Photographed by Liz Palmer
This photo essay is a collection of images of my interview with Richard Geoffrey, Chef de Cave, Dom Pérignon, capturing his expressions and movements.
Outside on the grounds of the Abbey
I met Richard Geoffroy at the Abbey of Hautvillers, the celestial home of Champagne, where in the 17th century the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon conducted research and experiments on the wines of Champagne.
Richard Geoffroy has been the head winemaker for over 20 years of Moët & Chandon’s Cuvée Dom Pérignon, and shows no signs of slowing down. He greets me with a warm smile, quite personable and relaxed.
Tasting
The scientist at work: focused, attention to detail and perfection – wines often mirror their maker. I was absolutely thrilled to taste with one of the world’s premier Champagne artists. I paced myself in elegant moderation.
Richard Geoffroy’s comments:
“A seamless, silky texture is what I’m looking for – I am not looking for weight or power.”
“Dom Pérignon must be vibrant and long.”
“Dom Pérignon is all about pleasure and joy!” Richard Geoffroy
“Perfectly Balanced!” Liz Palmer
@Champagnehouses
The Champagne Bureau held its annual trade and media tasting today at Banqueting House, London, where 79 brands presented 233 cuvees, with vintages ranging from 1998 to 2007, uncorking over 6,000 bottles. This event is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses
In the midst of an extensive $400 million overhaul of its Herald Square flagship, Macy’s may hit the perfect trifecta for shoe-obsessed New Yorkers: When it completes its second floor shoe department, it won’t just have 300,000 pairs of shoes, but a well-stocked Champagne bar, chocolate and coffee bar.
Currently, women’s shoes are sold on two separate floors, but the new space will create “The World’s Largest Shoe Floor,” the store says, with 39,000 square feet of selling space, and 24,000 square feet devoted to stockrooms. Brands such as Calvin Klein, Coach and Michael Kors will have their own shops, and “curated shoe closets inspired by New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods.” The remodeled area is scheduled to open in fall 2012.
Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses
Veuve Clicquot has announced this week it’s shortlist for “Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award” at the WIE (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise) Power Breakfast at The London Stock Exchange, and the three finalists are:
• Anya Hindmarch: Founder, Anya Hindmarch
• Helena Morrissey: CEO, Newton Investment Management
• Ruth Rogers: Chef & Owner, The River Café
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, and is now in its 40th year. It celebrates entrepreneurial women who have made a significant contribution to business life in the UK. The nomination criteria are those ideals epitomised by Madame Clicquot: Entrepreneurship, financial success, Corporate Social Responsibility and acting as a role model.
All Finalists selected by the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award judging panel demonstrated the strongest evidence of all nomination criteria. Notable achievements included Helena Morrissey’s groundbreaking 30% Club, which helps champion the issue of women on boards, Anya Hindmarch’s entrepreneurial story and global pioneering of her ‘I am not a plastic bag’ initiative which raised the issue of plastic bag usage amongst the public’s consciousness as well as the government’s agenda, and Ruth Rogers’ steady growing business, changing how we perceive, as well as cook, Italian cuisine.
Carolyn McCall, a previous winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and current Panel member, noted: “The nominees for this year’s award are all great role models and have all the attributes that Veuve Clicquot looks for in its Business Woman Award. This award has played a vital role in recognizing and celebrating women in business.”
Sian Westerman, MD of Rothschild and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel commented: “This strong shortlist, drawn from an excellent long list, exemplifies what women can achieve in business: strong entrepreneurship and leadership, combined with a desire and ability to deliver real change in society. Spanning areas key to the UK economy of fashion, finance and hospitality, they are great role models for all who aspire to succeed in business.”
Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel said: “It was inspiring to see the sheer quality and range of candidates for the award — busting the myth that there aren’t many women business leaders!”
The Award’s 20-strong judging panel is comprised of business leaders, including Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive, easyJet, Jasmine Whitbread, CEO Save the Children, Duncan Bannatyne, Entrepreneur and Dragon, Caroline Michel, CEO, Peters, Frasers and Dunlop as well as Sian Westerman, MD, Rothschild and other key industry experts.
The winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award will be announced at a high-profile Champagne reception at The Ballroom at Claridge’s, London on the 18th of April 2012 at 6.30pm.
Christina Jesaitis, Senior Brand Manager, Veuve Clicquot said: “As we reach our 40th year of the award, social and environmental responsibility are still a key focus for our judges and this year’s finalists all represent business women that have embedded these important attributes into their organizations. The award also looks for those women that are able to act as more than just an example of a successful business woman, but rather an inspiration and mentor for future female entrepreneurs; we believe that all of our three finalists have demonstrated this quality.”
Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses
Champagne exports 2011 reached their second highest volume in five years – with sales close to the peak of 2007. Exports in 2011 were up by 5.1%, rising to a total of 141.2m bottles, the second largest volume ever achieved behind 2007 and only 9.5m bottles less than this peak, according to the latest statistics just released by Champagne’s governing body CIVC.
However because of a slight downturn in domestic sales in France, where the market weakened towards the end of the year, total sales figures rose by just over 1%, to 322.97m bottles.
The best performers in emerging markets were Russia (up 24.5%), China (up 19.4%), and Hong Kong (up 15.1%) – the rate of growth slowed in the second half of 2011; these three markets between them account for 4.1m bottles.
Top performer in emerging markets was India at 58.7% – total shipments to this market reached 290,286 bottles.
Shipments to Belgium and Germany both rose by 8.5% – the best results achieved within Europe.
Shipments to the USA recovered well, rising by 14.4% to 19.4m bottles – still short of the historic peak of 23.2m bottles in 2006.
Shipments to Australia rose to 4.86m bottles.
Michel Letter, head of G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët, said, ‘2011 was the third best year ever after 1999 and 2007 with total shipments reaching 323m bottles, not bad considering the worldwide economic situation.’
Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses
LIZ PALMER - CHAMPAGNE AND LIFESTYLE WRITER 