Opulent by design
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010Gibraltar, a British territory at the southern tip of Spain, is not the first place you would expect to find an exclusive members club, but thanks to the enclave’s status as an offshore haven and a leading financial centre it has one of the highest concentrations of millionaires in Europe.
Gibraltar is a true product of history. Captured by an Anglo-Dutch force during the 18th century Wars of Spanish Succession, it has been a British crown dependency ever since. In this tiny territory, perched upon a spectacular rocky peninsula half an hour west of Marbella, a cosmopolitan population of traders and financiers thrive. Property is at a premium, luxury cars a common sight and in the marinas large yachts lie alongside visiting frigates and cruise ships. Drawn above all by its banking facilities and offshore status, Gibraltar is also home to a community of international millionaires. (more…)


The city of light, romance and revolution is also a leading centre of style, elegance, design and architecture. With so many beautiful buildings to inspire and work with, it’s hardly surprising that the Parisian interior décor scene has always been so vibrant. The city and its famous icons have provided a rich backdrop for artists, artisans, couturiers and creators of interiors that range from superbly tasteful to outrageously outlandish. 
When it comes to creating the kind of ambience you’d love to call home Yvonne van Opdorp has a knowing touch. As styling and art director of the PTMD® collection, the haute couture accessories and design firm she runs with her husband Jos, Yvonne’s winning combinations of colour, texture and form set the tone for living environments that can justly be described as eye-catching. Not surprisingly, this select family business founded 15 years ago has made a name for itself far beyond its native Holland.