The city of Belgrade hosted the 8th edition of the finest classic car, and culture of excellence event in Southeast Europe "24 hours of Elegance – Concours d’Elegance & Salon of Excellence," from September 7-9.
Already famous international event dedicated to the prestigious brands, true symbols of supreme quality manufacture and craftsmanship of details, created and chaired by Alex Djordjevic of DeGorsi luxury consultancy and co-chaired by Lady Cris Egger, once again brought international elite to Belgrade, Serbia.
Since 2011, the event is held under the patronage of the Royal Family, organized with the support of Belgrade Waterfront company and in synergy with Serbian Federation of Historic Vehicles (FIVA member). This year, patron of the event was HH Princess Olga Romanoff, of the Russian Imperial family.
Gathering commenced at the White Palace, on Friday, September 7, 2018, with the opening of MASTERS OF EXCELLENCE exhibition in partnership with G.H. MUMM champagne, presented by the renowned ARBITER magazine, that was dedicated to the Italian elegance this time. Star of the exhibition was maestro Antonio Panico, one of the most famous tailors in the world, whose impeccable Neapolitan style is appreciated by true aficionados of excellence worldwide.
Naturally, a bespoke suit demands fabulous shirts and for the occasion one of the most coveted brands, Marol from Bologna, was represented by its CEO, Bo Yang. Complementing the selection of master craftsmen were shoemakers Ducal from Florence with their inimitable dandyish style created by a lady owner, Marialisa Sani, while the exclusive cloth makers Drago showed their latest precious fabrics. The segment of accessories was enriched by handmade sunglasses of TBD Eyewear and a very original concept of bespoke traveling bags by Uglys Handmade from Naples.
Simultaneously, KEN LINDSAY, CHIVAS’s International Brand Ambassador, took VIP guests for a tasting of CHIVAS REGAL range, at the Royal Library. During the evening guests were introduced to the CHIVAS REGAL THE ICON - the pinnacle of the Chivas Range that, befitting of the luxury liquid within, was presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter. One of the highlights was the presentation of local manufacturers of bespoke items, like Maruška hand-painted ties and accessories, HOH made to order watches by Jovan Jelić, who showed their latest timepiece created in partnership with AQUOS supercars. At the Royal Palace, guests enjoyed a live performance of 24 hours of ELEGANCE BIG BAND, while the second part of the event included charity auction.
Saturday, September 8 was marked by “Belgrade Waterfront Classic Car Show 2018”. Brand new, Belgrade Waterfront real estate project played the host of the prestigious car competition "Chivas Concours d’Elegance 2018," the exhibition of the most beautiful classic cars. However, one of the highlights was the launch of the amazing AUDI Q8, the latest offering from the esteemed German manufacturer, that represents the absolute apex of automotive design and technology.
On the Concours field, splendid automobiles were evaluated by the jury of automotive experts, presided by Ton Roks of Octane magazine, with the support of Tiddo Bresters of FIVA, who selected the best ones in different categories. The afternoon culminated with the award ceremony of the coveted "CHIVAS Best of Show" awarded to the unique 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SV Speciale “Molteni,” from the world-renowned Lopresto Collection. Best of Class prizes were awarded to 1969 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Drop-head coupe of Ambassador Nunzio Alfredo d’Angieri, splendid 1955 LANCIA Aurelia B24S Spider of Giuliano Bensi….A special award presented by DeGorsi Luxury Consulting, was awarded to Juan de Tamenne for their global motoring initiative - Peace&Culture rally.
During the Saturday, September 2, afternoon, at the beautiful hall of BELGRADE WATERFRONT gallery, center stage was taken by „Salon of Excellence“, held in partnership with Diplomacy & Commerce magazine and with the support of CHIVAS and LUXLIFE.rs.
Roundtable was moderated by the chairman of the 24 hours of Elegance, Alex Djordjevic, who discussed elegance with distinguished panelists from famed Maisons: Sartoria Panico headed by Antonio PANICO, superb bespoke shoemakers DUCAL of Florence with Maria Lisa Sani, famous shirt maker – MAROL from Bologna with their Bo Young, renowned cloth makers DRAGO from Biella presented by Alessandro Botta, hand-made to order luggage by Ugly’s Handmade, headed by Paolo Fabozzi. The discussion was co-moderated by the acclaimed elegance author Bernhard Roetzel.
Following the conference, the audience had an opportunity to experience the exquisite quality of all brands during the exhibition and to enjoy cocktails by CHIVAS.
Lastly, the following day, media attention was captured by the launch of autobiography by HH Princess Olga Romanoff, titled “Wild & Barefoot Romanoff,” that added a perfect royal aspect to the entire event.
The 24 hours of Elegance (2018 edition) presented by Audi, had its official wrap up with a CHIVAS party held in the stunning Sky lounge of Belgrade’s Hilton hotel, where Chivas joined forces with Gloria magazine creating a memorable atmosphere on the rooftop of the most exclusive new hotel in the city.
More info and photos www.24hoursoflegance.com
