Sotheby’s boss Alexander Kraft’s home on French Riviera is ransacked

Sotheby's boss Alexander Kraft's home on French Riviera is ransacked

As a seasoned observer of the high-rolling world of the rich and famous, I must say that the stories of these three individuals paint a fascinating picture of their lives and priorities.

Back in the day, the writer Somerset Maugham famously described the Riviera as a “sun-kissed haven for those with questionable intentions” – however, those times have changed.

Over the past few decades, there’s been a darker turn of events, as Formula 1 champion Jenson Button and style icon Trinny Woodall are among those who claim to have been burglarized (and they strongly suggest that they were also exposed to gas) while they were asleep.

Currently, it’s important to share that the gangs have achieved a significant victory: They have managed to acquire ownership from Alexander Kraft, who was the individual to whom Johnny Depp sold his village in the South of France after his separation from Amber Heard.

The ineffably stylish Kraft, who’s amassed many millions from the numerous enterprises he runs in tandem with his role as chief executive and sole shareholder of Sotheby’s International [Real Estate] France-Monaco, was spared a gassing but little else.

He pulled up at his country house in Provence to find it ‘not only burgled but vandalised’.

Sotheby's boss Alexander Kraft's home on French Riviera is ransacked

In a passionate outpouring to my dear friends, I – the overly enthusiastic admirer, who happens to own an Aston Martin DB6 – express my feelings quite candidly. ‘You wretched scoundrels!’ I start, voicing my strong dissent towards an unfortunate event. I label it as ‘one of the most devastating blows in my life, not just financially but also emotionally.’

Explaining that being the victim of ‘a burglary or robbery is bad enough’, he says that to have ‘25+ years of passionate collecting and many (family) memories wiped… is devastating’.

However, what stunned him even further was the seemingly mindless destruction – ‘the audacity of such senseless damage to masterpieces. Who among us could possibly find amusement in destroying one-of-a-kind pieces of art?’

As a lifestyle expert, I can tell you that Kraft prefers not to disclose the details of what was taken in the incident. However, it’s common knowledge that he possesses an exquisite taste, particularly in the realm of art and luxury automobiles. Yet, his true passion lies in his exceptional collection of timepieces. This collection boasts rare pieces such as a stunning Art Deco Cartier pocket watch and a 1970s Rolex, valued at a staggering £420,000.

Their rarity, he believes, presents an opportunity.

According to Kraft, who has previously experienced a robbery with a knife in Miami, the French equivalent of the FBI is already investigating the matter. He confidently adds that these seasoned criminals won’t escape justice for long. Great attitude!

Zac’s fiancee Hum shows off sparkler

Ever since I shared last month’s intriguing revelation about Zac Goldsmith being deeply moved by Hum Fleming to the extent of proposing marriage, the pair haven’t yet officially announced their upcoming nuptials.

Over the weekend at a relative’s wedding, it so happened that the niece of Ian Fleming (the creator of James Bond) took delight in displaying an impressive diamond ring she received from a previous Conservative government official.

As I, a 34-year-old PR whiz navigating the vibrant world of fashion and lifestyle, eagerly prepare for my upcoming nuptials with the esteemed Lord Goldsmith at 49, I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement about becoming a stepmother to his six wonderful children.

A year ago, it was revealed that the son of the deceased billionaire, Sir James Goldsmith, separated from his spouse, Alice Rothschild, aged 41, whom he wed in 2013.

Stanbury’s saucy surprise

Caroline Stanbury, who previously stated that relationships could become stagnant within the ‘comfort zone’, has discovered methods to maintain excitement with her younger partner, Sergio Carrallo.

A long-time acquaintance of Prince Andrew, aged 48 and known for her social circle, arranged a surprise birthday bash with an “Eyes Wide Shut” theme – inspired by the intriguing, erotic drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick, featuring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in leading roles.

‘It was a night to remember,’ Caroline says next to this picture of the pair in masquerade masks.

Ex-footballer Sergio, wearing a cape and little else, gushes: ‘I couldn’t feel more blessed.’

Candy’s superyacht sale

Property tycoon Nick Candy has discovered that floating gin palaces can be as lucrative as those on land.

As a devoted spouse to the renowned pop star, Holly Valance, I am thrilled to share that we’ve just made an impressive €12.7 million (approximately £10.6 million) from the sale of our luxurious yacht, 11.11. What a memorable moment in our journey together!

A 207-foot-long ship, constructed in the year 2015 by the renowned Italian yacht manufacturer Benetti, was honored with a World Superyacht Award in 2016.

In 2020, Candy mentioned that various offers have come her way during the past few years for selling something, but she has consistently declined.

Stanley’s butterfly mission

Stanley Johnson, the father of Boris Johnson, has embarked on a fresh endeavor – safeguarding Britain’s rarest butterfly species.

He shares with me at the House Of Assets gathering held at jeweler Theo Fennell’s studio in Chelsea that the High Brown Fritillary is exceptionally scarce and can currently be found only in a few locations scattered throughout southwest England.

‘On my farm, these creatures have resided. Ensuring their suitable environment is crucial. Their diet primarily consists of green leaves from violets. Violets thrive under bracken, but not excessively; hence, it’s essential to manage the bracken growth. To achieve this, I now possess seven Exmoor ponies, which are marvelous and help create paths by grazing through the area.’

Sam Palmer’s American breakfast woes

Sam Palmer, along with his wealthy wife Petra Ecclestone (an heiress from the Formula 1 family with a reported net worth of £300 million), made the move to Los Angeles. However, despite this lavish lifestyle, Sam is far from content. In particular, he finds issue with American restaurants’ approach to serving breakfast.

He complained, “You give me bacon, mushrooms, and eggs on separate plates.” I replied, “How about putting everything together on one plate?” Unfortunately, they were still served on individual plates. I was close to losing my temper.

He adds: ‘Americans, when a British man orders breakfast, put it all on the same plate – and never have chicken sausage ever again, you plebs.’ Temper, temper…

2024-10-08 03:25