You won’t hear the words “no can do” at the inaugural Cannes Collection luxuryfest as exhibitors make it easy to buy and fly, drive or sail home with whatever takes your fancy
Most people who visit Cannes on the French Riviera go home with a suntan or a palm-tree fridge magnet as a souvenir – but visitors to an innovative new luxury lifestyle exhibition in June will be able to take home a helicopter, a private jet or a luxury yacht to remember their trip by.
As impulse-buys go, it doesn’t get much more impressive than that, and organisers of the inaugural Cannes Collection 16 event will ensure that no-one who wants to buy a helicopter or a priceless diamond on a whim will go short of one.
Taking place just a few days after the Monaco Grand Prix along the coast and less than a fortnight after the glittering Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Collection 16 is aiming to provide a one-stop-shop, albeit an exceptionally glamorous one, for people interested in yachting, aviation, cars, art, travel, property and luxury goods.
Running from 2 to 5 June, the event in the Old Port of Cannes coincides with the start of the Summer season for the world’s wealthy who converge on the French Riviera from all over the globe.
The organisers say visitors will be able to sail a yacht out into the Bay of Cannes, fly over the old town in a private jet or helicopter, or drive a supercar along the coast – and, if they like what they see, they can take it home, then and there.
Those who can take their eyes off the 60-metre yachts for a moment will find haute couture and art auctions by Sotheby’s, Champagne and cocktail tastings, and a charity dinner in aid of the Womanity Foundation for women in disadvantaged countries.
Experts in various aspects of luxury will be on hand to give advice, including Eric de Saintdo, former organiser of the Cannes Yacht Show, Michel de Rohozinski, President of Azur Hélicoptères and Rotor Trade, Romain Réa of the Artcurial auction house, and Isabelle Keit, Manager of the Art Elysées gallery.
More details at www.cannes-collection.com