Latest news with #FernandoBotero
Hype Malaysia
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
You're Invited To St. Regis Kuala Lumpur's Luxurious 9th Anniversary Celebration!
Since opening its doors in 2016, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur has remained a beacon of sophistication, where every detail reflects uncompromising elegance, every moment invites discovery, and every experience is a celebration of distinction. As it marks its 9th anniversary, the hotel proudly upholds its legacy of luxury, inviting guests to discover the 'Nine Discoveries and Distinctions' that define its standing as the Best Address in Kuala Lumpur. The first of Nine Discoveries and Distinctions is the inaugural resident of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur – a specially commissioned horse sculpture by Fernando Botero. Weighing 2.5 tonnes, this monumental piece is the first and largest sculpture the artist has ever created in Malaysia, unveiled in 2010. More than just a work of art, it serves as a tribute to the brand's historic connection to polo, embodying the spirit of aristocracy and movement that defines the St. Regis legacy. In the house where refinement is curated, art is never ornamental – it is narrative. The second of Nine Discoveries and Distinctions lies within the very walls of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, where each piece is steeped in symbolism and significance. Two globally celebrated, specially commissioned artworks – Mark Evans' Grace Thunders and Barnaby Hosking's Birds & Butterflies – were completed under the same roof, with the final touches done by the artists in person. These masterpieces, born within these walls, are not only stunning expressions of beauty but also profound testaments to the St. Regis legacy, narrating the story of John Jacob Astor and the historic lake garden that lies just beyond our doors. The third on the list of Nine Discoveries and Distinctions is a rare collection of 82 original photographs, selected to echo the heart of the brand's origin in New York City. From Fifth Avenue's grandeur to the pulse of the New York Stock Exchange, these images reflect the journey of the very first St. Regis and its founder's unwavering vision. Personally curated by the Chairman of One IFC Hotel Sdn Bhd, the collection also captures his own remarkable connection to the financial epicentre of both cities. Located at KL Sentral, the hotel now stands at the crossroads of legacy and luxury, much like the brand's birthplace more than a century ago. Yet artistry is not limited to what graces the walls. The next discovery is found in the expanse of the guest rooms, the largest standard rooms in the city at 63 m², where every square metre exudes sophistication, featuring a walk-in wardrobe, bathtub and St. Regis signature trunk-style minibar. Within these refined spaces, bespoke service finds its purest expression with the signature 24-hour butler service designed for all room types. The St. Regis Butler crafts moments not by request, but by intuition – each stay as personal as it is polished. Beyond the hotel lies an immersive sanctuary of wellness. With 60 treatment rooms – the most in Malaysia – the hotel invites guests to indulge in rituals of rejuvenation that echo the grandeur of the brand, marking this as the fifth of the Nine Discoveries and Distinctions. Whether within the privacy of 52 in-suite sanctuaries or the refined serenity of Iridium Spa, each treatment is a journey through the senses, where well-being meets the artistry of care. Sixth on our list of nine discoveries and distinctions, the hotel's prime location offers an effortless connection to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. A short stroll from KL Sentral and steps away from the MRT, with complimentary shuttle service for guests to Bukit Bintang and Kuala Lumpur City Centre, convenience is made sublime. This harmony between ease and elegance reflects the brand's constant evolution, always meeting its guests where their journey begins. Continuing our journey through the discoveries and distinctions, the seventh celebrates the seamless partnership between The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur and the Royal Selangor Polo Club. Together, they brought the storied traditions of the St. Regis brand to Polo's grand stage. From the refinement of Afternoon Tea to the ritual of the Bloody Mary and the signature touch of the St. Regis Butler, guests were invited to live the legacy. In 2025, this journey continues with the promise of a bold new event – one that will elevate the experience further, blending heritage with modern luxury in exhilarating ways. Eight in the list, recognition has followed distinction with each passing year. In the first quarter of 2025, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur was named Best City Hotel and Hotel of the Year by Tatler Best, earned the prestigious DestinAsian Readers' Award for Best City Hotel, and The Brasserie restaurant too was honoured by the Michelin Guide. Tripadvisor crowned its afternoon tea the finest in the city. Each award is a testament not merely to excellence but to a relentless dedication to making the everyday exquisite. The final, ninth discovery honours nine years of excellence with the unveiling of the Exquisite Celebration room package, launched on 1st May 2025. Designed for life's grandest moments – birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor soirées, and every joyous gathering in between – each stay will be adorned with themed décor, tailored touches, and festive surprises that ensure the spirit of discovery and celebration is felt in every detail. Exquisite Celebration Staycation Package Available from now until 31st October 2025; Packages start from RM2,404+ per night Exclusive Inclusions: Welcome Ritual Daily Breakfast for Two (2) at The Brasserie Decorated Room for the Occasion One (1) Flower Bouquet 3-course Dining Experience for Two (2) at The Brasserie Complimentary Polaroid Keepsakes Champagne Sabering Ritual 24-hour St. Regis Signature Butler Service One (1) Complimentary Parking per Room In conjunction with the ninth anniversary, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur presents exquisite happenings for its luminary guests within the hotel vicinity or those who wish to join in the celebration beyond the hotel walls. 9th Anniversary The Drawing Room Giveaway Contest Dine, draw and share an art piece with The Astor's Garden Afternoon Tea Win exclusive invitation and be among the first to experience new themed afternoon tea Contest submission opens from now until 9th May 2025 at 6pm Terms and conditions apply The ninth anniversary of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is not merely a milestone. It is an invitation to journey through the past, revel in the present, and glimpse into a future where discovery and distinction remain eternal. For more information, visit
CairoScene
11-02-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Sotheby's Saudi Debut Raises USD 17 Million in Diriyah
The evening's top sales included Fernando Botero's 'Society Woman' and Banksy's 'Subject to Availability'. Sotheby's inaugural auction in Saudi Arabia, held in Diriyah, generated USD 17 million in sales, bringing together a diverse collection of artworks, luxury items, and sports memorabilia. The auction attracted participants from 45 countries, with Saudi buyers accounting for about a third of the total. More than 30% of the buyers were under the age of 40, reflecting a young and evolving art market. The evening's top sales included Fernando Botero's 'Society Woman', purchased for USD 1 million by Saudi businessman Amr Zedan. Banksy's 'Subject to Availability' and René Magritte's 'L'État de veille' each sold for USD 1.2 million, while a work by Saudi artist Mohammed Al Saleem reached USD 660,000 - three times its estimate. A painting by Huguette Caland sparked one of the night's most intense bidding wars, with the final sale made over the phone. Strong interest was also seen in a Picasso work on paper and a James Turrell light installation. Beyond fine art, the auction featured high-value luxury items and sports memorabilia. Cristiano Ronaldo's signed boots and four jerseys collectively sold for USD 151,000, while a Richard Mille timepiece carried an estimate of USD 1 million to USD 1.5 million. Despite the strong sales, the total revenue fell slightly below the pre-sale estimate of USD 16 million to USD 22 million.
Al Arabiya
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's inaugural international art auction nets over $17 million
A historic night unfolded under the stars in Saudi Arabia on Saturday as the Kingdom hosted its first-ever international auction dedicated to fine art and luxury. The groundbreaking event, held in Diriyah — the ancestral heart of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh — saw a total of $17.3 million in sales, signaling a milestone moment for the region's art market. The sale attracted collectors from 45 countries, with nearly a third of purchases made by Saudi buyers and more than 30 percent of participants under 40. The unprecedented event, titled Origins, was hosted by Sotheby's — one of the world's leading auction houses — and brought together art collectors from around the world in Riyadh. Speaking on the event's significance, Ashkan Baghestani, the head of sales for Fine Art at Sotheby's, remarked: 'For many years, Saudi Arabia's cultural expansion has been a source of great inspiration to us at Sotheby's.' He further said: 'Tonight marked a historic milestone in the art market of the region, set against the backdrop of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom and a burgeoning new hub for culture. The results that we have achieved here during our inaugural sale is a clear signal of the depth of appetite that exists for art, and the thirst that is ready to be unlocked.' Top sales in fine art Among the highlights of the auction was a piece from the estate of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, titled Society Woman, which fetched $1 million, while Banksy's and René Magritte's L'État de veille each commanded $1.2 million. Pablo Picasso's Fleurs (1948) sold for $204,000 — over three times its estimate. Saudi artists were also well-represented. A painting by Mohammed Al Saleem, a pioneer in Saudi modern art, which combines Arabic calligraphy with Saudi landscape horizons, sold for $660,000 — three times its estimate. Works by Abdulhalim Radwi, Ahmed Mater, and Maha Malluh also exceeded expectations, bringing in a total of $1.1 million through Saudi art sales. One of the most significant sales in modern Arab art was Louay Kayyali's Then What??, which set a new artist record at $900,000. Other notable regional sales included Samia Halaby's Blue Trap (in a Railroad Station) for $384,000 and Saloua Raouda Choucair's early wood sculpture for $144,000, with proceeds benefiting education and research. Sports memorabilia and luxury sales In the sports memorabilia section, a game-worn Michael Jordan jersey from the 1998 NBA playoffs fetched an impressive $960,000. Cristiano Ronaldo's match-worn jerseys and signed boots from the 2024 UEFA European Championships also proved popular, selling for a combined $151,200. Luxury items saw fierce bidding, with a pair of Graff diamond pendant earrings realizing $780,000 and a diamond Himalaya Birkin by Hermès surpassing estimates to reach $336,000. A Rolex Paul Newman Daytona sold for $240,000, while a one-of-a-kind commissioned Cartier Crash watch achieved $228,000. Landmark moment for Saudi art market The contents of the Origins exhibition were on display at Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace from February 2, offering a week-long celebration of art, luxury, and culture. The exhibition coincided with Diriyah Season, an annual festival showcasing the area's rich heritage. With nearly 2,500 exhibition visitors and more than 700 attending panel discussions leading up to the auction, the event marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the global art and luxury market. The large presence of young collectors further signals a dynamic future for the Kingdom's cultural and artistic landscape. As the country continues to invest in the arts, this inaugural auction helped set the stage for future high-profile sales and artistic collaborations.
