The Breitling Dragon Tour 2012

The Breitling Jet Team, Breitling Wingwalkers and Yves “Jetman” Rossy are flying East for winter, to bring Breitling’s passions for aviation to new audiences in what is being collectively called “The Breitling Dragon Tour”.

Sky High: the Breitling Jet Team

  All three teams are heading to Asia to participate in Airshow China 2012, held in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. Although the 1940’s Stearmans of the wingwalking team and Yves Rossy’s Jetwings can all be shipped there in containers, the Breitling Jet Team will have to get there with their own wings. Leaving from Dijon this Tuesday, they will fly through Eastern Europe, into Russia passing through Siberia, then on to Mongolia and down through China to reach their destination by mid-October.

  Breitling Aviation Director, Nigel Lamb flew the first civilian aerobatic team in China in 1996: “There is such an incredible fascination and enthusiasm for aviation in China, the team is well remembered even to this day. I’m looking forward to going back with all three teams and entirely different spectacles from Europe. Hopefully, this is just the start of the adventure. We’re looking into keeping the Breitling Jet Team in Asia for 2013 and organizing a series of tours in the region.”

  Breitling Jet Team leader, Jacques Bothelin says: “While we are there we want to make the most of our opportunities, we will miss the European 2013 season, but it will be exciting to explore new countries and display to new crowds. We’ll be back in Europe early 2014 with some great experiences to relay.”

Christie's announces Riahi Collection sale

Christie’s announces the second part of Masterpieces Formerly in The Collection of Monsieur and Madame Riahi will be auctioned in London on the evening of Thursday December 6, 2012; following the record breaking first sale in 2000, which realised $40 million. The name Riahi is synonymous with French 18^th century furniture and works of art; collecting and connoisseurship of the highest level; patronage and dedication to 'l'art français'. Comprising approximately 50 lots, the collection was formed over half a century by M. and Mme. Riahi with love, passion, a discerning eye and the belief that “l’amour n’a pas de prix.”

Cabinet of wonders: the Riahi Collection

  M. Riahi believes that 18^th century French decorative arts are one of the summits of human achievement; a moment of balance and perfection in design, materials and execution. Presenting the very best mid-18^th century marquetry and lacquer furniture, unsurpassed both in quality and rarity, many items have Royal and illustrious provenances. The collection is expected to realise in excess of £20 million/$32 million.

Charles Cator, Chairman, Furniture & Decorative Arts Department, Christie’s International said:  “We are thrilled to be entrusted with offering the second part of the Riahi Collection, which holds a legendary position among the great collections of French furniture. Assembled by a dedicated and passionate collector with an extraordinary vision and an instinctive understanding - who has inspired my admiration and respect over nearly 40 years of friendship and shared enthusiasm - I have never failed to be amazed by his unceasing quest for the most perfect examples of 18^th century French decorative arts. Presenting the market with unique opportunities to acquire exceptionally rare pieces which are timeless, by master makers from Bernard II van Risenburgh and Joseph Baumhauer to Jean François Oeben and Robert-Joseph Auguste, it continues Christie’s unrivalled tradition of being the auction house of choice for landmark sales of French decorative arts, including the Givenchy, Lagerfeld, Ojjeh, Rothschild, Wildenstein and Champalimaud collections. Monsieur Riahi recognised the power of these perfect works; this power will enable them to speak to an international audience, inspiring both traditional and new collectors who appreciate masterpieces. Both the 2000 and 2012 auctions will be remembered as landmark sales of the early 21^st century and in the history of collecting.”