”Chivas 24 HOURS of ELEGANCE by Audi”           September 7 - 9, 2018

City of Belgrade hosted the eigth edition of the finest classic car and culture of excellence event in Southeast Europe, the „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 consulting and co-chaired by Lady Cris Egger, once again brought international elite to Belgrade and Serbia.

Since 2011, the event is held under the patronage of the Royal Family, organized with support of Belgrade Waterfront 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 partnershi 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 afficionados of excellence worldwide. Naturally, a bespoke suit demands fabulous shirts and for the occasion one of the most coveted brands, Marol from Bologna, was represetned by its CEO, Bo Yang. Complementing the selection of master craftsmen were shoemakers Ducal from Florence with their inimitable dandish style creted by a lady owner, Marialisa Sani, while the exclusive cloth makers Drago showed their latest precious fabrics. Segment of accessories was enriched by handmade sunglasss of The Bespoke Dudes and a very original concept of bespoke travelling bags by Uglys Handmade from Naples.

Simultaneously, KEN LINDSAY, CHIVAS’s International Brand Ambassador, took VIP guests for tasting of CHIVAS REGAL Extra, 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 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 AQOS 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 Conocurs field,  splendid automobiles were evaluated  by the jury of automotive experts, presided by Ton Roks of Octane magazine, with support of Tido 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  Drophead 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.

The jury: president Dalibor Ružić(SSIV), Ton Roks OCTANE, Tiddo Bresters FIVA Awarded:

Best in class RACING CARS 1955 Alfa Romeo  1900 SSC Carlo Grelewski, Ferrara

Best in class SPORT AND GT CARS 1964 ALFA ROMEO Giulietta Bertone Collezione Bianchi, Perugia

During the Saturday, September 8, 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 support of CHIVAS and LUXLIFE.rs.
Round table 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 shirtmakers 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 headed by Paolo Fabozzi. The discussion was co-moderated by the acclaimed elegance author Bernhard Roetzel.

Ladies were treated equally well with stunning jewels by Berg Gioielli curated by Lady Egger .

Lastly, the following day, media attention was captured by the launch of autobiograhy 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 rooftop of the most exclusive new hotel in the city.

A letter from the founder….

24 hours of Elegance by CHIVAS, is an international event dedicated to the prestigious brands, synonymous with supreme quality of manufacture & craftsmanship of details. Guests will share their passion for classic cars, elegance, style and refinement, in uniquely fascinating setting of the Royal Palace and the Belgrade Waterfront development.  

This year’s guest of honor is Princess Olga Romanoff, one of last descendants of the Imperial Russian family. The gala is held with support of G.H. MUMM champagne.

The opening gala will take place at the White Palace, on Friday, September 7, 2018, with the unveiling of MASTERS OF EXCELLENCE exhibition, presented by the renowned ARBITER magazine. This year’s edition is dedicated to the Neapolitan masters of elegance championed by superlative craftsmen, renowned for their artisanship, such as Sartoria Panico headed by Antonio PANICO, the iconic bespoke tailor from Naples, superb bespoke shoemakers DUCAL of Florence, famous shirtmakers MAROL from Bologna, renowned cloth makers DRAGO from Biella, Italy.

Keynote speech about elegance will be delivered by the acclaimed German author Bernhard Roetzel, creator of the world acclaimed book Gentleman-a timeless guide to fashion.

As a special highlight of the event, KEN LINDSAY, CHIVAS’s international Brand Ambassador, will take selected 18 VIPs for an exclusive tasting of CHIVAS, that will be held at the Royal Library. Uniquely,  guests will be introduced to the CHIVAS REGAL THE ICON- the pinnacle of the Chivas Range that, befitting of the luxury liquid within, is presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter, etched and finished with precision crafted metalwork and presented in sublime green glassware in homage to the original green Chivas Regal bottle that captured the world’s attention in 1909. Adorned with a signature luckenbooth stopper, a traditional Celtic symbol of love, the distinctive bottle is certain to be adored by whisky enthusiasts around the world.  

Exclusively, the latest model of Q family, AUDI Q8, famed for its exclusivity and prestige, will have its official premiere, appropriately, during the opening gala and as well during the Belgrade Waterfront Classic Car Show, the next day.

As well we are showing emergnig brands that have excellent product such as hand-made to order luggage by Ugly’s, Abadi oriental perfumes of highest quality and The Bespoke Dudes eyewear, appreciated by style aficionados around the world

Since 2016 edition, the Contemporary Art segment, created in cooperation with NESOVIC FINE ARTS gallery, presents art-world stars of Southeast Europe hailing from Belgrade. This time, during the gala dinner, one of the works by world renowned artist VUK VIDOR will be offered for bidding at the Charity auction benefiting Princess Katherine Foundation.
Saturday, September 8, will be marked by the “Belgrade Classic Car Show 2018”, that will take place at the Belgrade Waterfront, the new home of prestigious „Chivas Concours d’Elegance 2018“ - exhibition of the most beautiful classic cars, to be evaluated by the jury of professionals, selecting the best in different categories. 
The contest will include these splendid cars coming from all over Europe, while in the afternoon, BELGRADE WATERFRONT gallery will host some of the most prestigious luxury brands, showcasing at our „Salon of Excellence“, conference and exhibition, held in partnership with Diplomacy & Commerce magazine and LUXLIFE.rs, with support of CHIVAS. Famous german style&elegance author, Bernhard Roetzel, will present his most acclaimed book Gentleman - A Timeless Guide to Fashion, dedicated to the elegance of gentlemen. 


In the early evening hours, a special delegation of Amitie Sans Frontieres, humanitarian organization from Monte Carlo, will gather its members from all around the world at the Ladies Hat Contest on the banks of Belgrade Waterfront promenade and Savanova restaurant terrace.  

Later on, in front of Belgrade Waterfront palace, „CHIVAS Best of Show 2018“, award ceremony of „Belgrade Concours d'Elegance“ will take place with support of numerous fans and enthusiasts of classic car world.

The 24 hours of Elegance - 2018 edition will have its official closing with a spectacular “CHIVAS PARTY” at the sumptuous terrace of Hilton hotel, in partnership with Gloria magazine. 
Welcome to the “24 hours of Elegance by CHIVAS”, a uniquely prestigious event, which pinpoints Belgrade as an unexpected capital of style and refinement. 
Additional information:  www.24hoursofelegance.com