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Following the extraordinary success of its launch premiere, the "24 HOURS OF ELEGANCE 2012" luxury event has set new highs in style and refinement during its new edition.

The 2012 gathering kicked-off on Friday, 7th September, with Rubinacci - Masters of Style exhibition, an extravagant display of selected historic suits of the famous style house of Rubinacci, Naples, at the mesmerizing setting of the royal White Palace in Belgrade, under the auspice of HRH Prince Peter of Serbia and special participation of British-Serbian Chamber of commerce president Sir Paul Judge and Italo-Serbian Chamber of commerce president Mr. Andrea Simoncelli.



Exclusive selection of famous classic cars by the renowned automotive club Allegri del Volante from Florence (Ferrari 250 TR, Maserati A6 and Austin Healey 100 BN1) were on display in front of the Royal Palace.

Guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive photo preview of the majestic cars owned by the Serbian Royal family and presented in the book “Karadjordjevic dynasty automobiles 1908-1941” by the acclaimed car historian Miroslav Milutinovic. The evening was followed by the CHIVAS cocktail and the exclusive tasting of the finest selection of wines by Tenuta Argentiera from Bolgheri in Tuscany.

Saturday, 8th September, was highlighted by the Belgrade Classic Car Show 2012 -  staged against the imposing backdrop of Kalemegdan Fortress, on Belgrade's waterfront and in front of the Grand Casino Belgrade, essential partner of the event. The unique AutoBild Grand Prix Historique took place around Kalemegdan Park, thrilling the audience with superb parade of classic cars that follows 2.7 km route of last pre-war Grand Prix that took place in 1939, as the city race. This was the last win ever for Tazio Nuvolari, arguably the best driver of all time, in an AUTOUNION’s formula.

During the morning renowned design professor Marko Lukovic, presented his student’s works, followed by the premiere of the "FORGOTTEN GRAND PRIX" documentary by Bratislav Petkovic, chairman of the Automobile Museum of Belgrade and current Minister of Culture of Serbia.

In partnership with the Serbian Federation of Historic Vehicles, during the CHIVAS Concours d’Elegance program in front of the Grand Casino Belgrade, some of the finest classic cars from the region were on display along with some of the famed vehicles of the world renowned collectors, members of the Allegri del Volante club from Florence, all competing for the Best of Show trophy awarded by the distinguished jury. Important part of the program was an exhibition by the renowned AUTO® conference from Zagreb, Croatia in partnership with Somersby, presenting French designer Sasa Lakic, exclusive star designer of the super-car VENTURI of Monaco. Visitors of the event had the exclusive preview of brand new AUDI A3, that proven once again its faultless design and amazing technical aspects.

The second part of the day was dedicated to the ABSOLUT Luxury Salon & Exhibition, presenting a roster of luxury industry panelists and showcasing top brands and products, within the sumptuous settings of Grand Casino Belgrade. The exquisite offerings ranged from high fashion to dazzling jewelry by IDC and precious timepieces by TAG Heuer.

ABSOLUT Luxury Conference speakers were: Luca Rubinacci, Rubinacci - the icon of men’s bespoke elegance from Milan, New York to Tokyo and Beijing www.marianorubinacci.net GianLuca Bocache, Bocache Salvucci amazing bespoke shoemakers from Rome, a true Italian craftsman www.bocachesalvucci.com, Gianni Cerrutti, creator of the unique Passaggio Cravatte concept of bespoke tailored ties, one-off pieces www.passaggiocravatte.com, Gianluca Migliarotti, film director of famous O’mast movie on Neapolitan tailoring. www.gianlucamigliarotti.com and Stafano Bernabei, presenting famous winemakers Tenuta Argentiera of Bolgheri in Tuscany. www.argentiera.eu

In the evening guests enjoyed a special G. H. Mumm Celebrity Cocktail with presentation of the O’Mast documentary by the acclaimed Italian director Gianluca Migliarotti, followed by the exclusive fashion show of DISTANTE concept store, presenting the top international designers visions for 2013, along with superb Rubinacci suits and precious TAG Heuer timepieces. The evening culminated with the CHIVAS CONCOURS d’ ELEGANCE 2012 AWARD ceremony at the Grand Casino’s Diva lounge.

CHIVAS Best of Show winner was 1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa, owned by Giuliano Bensi, member of the Allegri del Volante, gentleman's drivers club from Florence. CHIVAS party followed until the early morning hours, making Belgrade THE capital of style for at least that night.

BELGRADE CONOCURS d'ELEGANCE 2012 winners:

1959 Ferrari 250 Testarossa, Giuliano Bensi  BEST OF SHOW

1949 Maserati A6 1500, Gilberto Foccardi BEST RESTAURATION

1956 Austin Healey 100 BN1, Mauro Lotti BEST PRESERVATION

1912 Ford Speedster T, Axel Kohnen AUTO BILD  PUBLIC AWARD