2.29.2008

The Curse of Lono



Originally published in 1983, The Curse of Lono features zany, hallucinogenic wordplay and feral artwork for which the Hunter S. Thompson/Ralph Steadman duo became known and loved. This curious book, considered an oddity among Hunter`s oeuvre, has been long out of print, prompting collectors to search high and low for an original copy. Resurrected by TASCHEN in a bigger size with splendid, full-color illustrations, The Curse of Lono is now available in a special 1000-copy edition, numbered and hand-signed by Thompson and Steadman.

Lanvin python Kentucky bag


The Kentucky bag is a large metallic python shopping bag from Lanvin. The bag has a decorative toggle fastening and two leather top handles with gold hardware. There is a small internal pocket and the bag is fully lined with Lanvin logo canvas.

Nude facial scrub


Buff away impurities with Nude's facial scrub. Ultra fine beads of rose quartz gently buff away dry skin, while soothing liquorice, nourishing manketti and cleansing juazeiro extract smooth and calm. Suitable for all skin types. Available in 75ml.

Books By The Foot


New York City Strand Bookstore is offering books by the foot. Prices range from $20 a foot to $400 dollars a foot (for leather-bound 19th century novels).

contemporary art auction breaks records in London


A contemporary art auction raised 95 million pounds in London, Sotheby's tells AP.

Francis Bacon's "Study Of Nude With Figure In A Mirror", was bought by a private European collector for 19.9 million pounds, compared to its pre-sale estimate of at least 18 million pounds.
T
he auction had been expected to raise about 72 million pounds.

Coty to Launch Halle Berry Fragrance



Beauty giant Coty', has signed Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry to a scent development deal, which will involve the star developing a fragrance portfolio and appearing in its advertising, WWD reports. The first Berry fragrance products are expected to launch globally in spring 2009, Steve Mormoris, senior vice president of global marketing at Coty Beauty US reveals. They will launch in "mid-tier" department stores, such as J.C. Penney, and then will move into the mass market as well.

"We're committed to developing a project that will bring luxury to the mass market," said Mormoris. "We want to bring vitality to that market, with projects that consumers find compelling."

Iset Tower


Iset Tower has been granted approval to commence building by officials in Russia.

Designed by French architects Valode and Pistre, new tower will stand at 215 meters.

The tower is cylindrical wrapping around a central core.

Stella McCartney Rhinestone paillette mini dress


This stunning mini cocktail dress was worn by designer Stella McCartney to the Costume Institute Gala in New York. Priced at $6,995.00 , the Rhinestone paillette mini dress is an investment piece writes NET-A-PORTER , it is sleeveless, fully lined, falls to the knee and simply slips on.

2.28.2008

GUCCI the Most Coveted luxury brand in the world?


Gucci, the flagship brand of French luxury group PPR, is the world’s most coveted luxury brand according to a global luxury brands survey by The Nielsen Company.

In the latest survey, one in five global consumers said they would choose to buy Gucci (over any other luxury brand) if money was no option, making the Italian fashion brand that was revived by Tom Ford in the 1990’s the most coveted and aspirational luxury brand in the world today.

Chanel and Calvin Klein tied for second place in Nielsen’s 48-country global online survey that was conducted in November 2007. In fourth place came Louis Vuitton, followed by Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior and Versace.

Two years ago in the same survey, Gucci shared top honours in the survey with Giorgio Armani – which has since slipped to fourth place in current global rankings.

Givenchy mens wear by Riccardo Tisci


Givenchy has unveiled a gallerylike Paris boutique featuring a series of black-box display suites and a long, gleaming gold ingot for the cash wrap, WWD reports

The new 3,750-square-foot flagship on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, opens to the public Friday and is a chic statement for a French house's recent success.

"Our strategy now is very clear and it's working well," said Marco Gobbetti, chairman and chief executive of Givenchy, part of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. "The company is now looking at a phase of faster growth."

(Auction) RED


(Auction) RED held in New York City, at the Gagosian Gallery, located in West Chelsea, saw the work of Jeff Koons , Takashi Murakami ,Richard Prince available for sale with proceeds going to Global Fund, helping to eliminate AIDS in Africa. The cocktail party was hosted by Larry Gagosian, renowned Armenian-American art dealer, Vogue's Anna Wintour, and Lisa Dennison from Sotheby’s.

Edition 1


Edition 1 is Porsche design in its purest form. Inspired by the world’s first entirely black chronograph, which was designed at the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See in 1972. The special Edition 1 collection pays homage to this extraordinary design with 14 accessories for men. All black. Black leather. Black titanium. Black steel. Black aluminum.

Charles Dickens Collection To Be Auctioned Off


Christie's New York will auction off The Kenyon Starling Library of Charles Dickens on April 2. The collection includes a complete set of Charles Dickens's contributions to The Monthly Magazine or British Register of Politics, Literature, Art, Science, and the Belles Lettres. London: A. Robertson; Cochrane and M'Crone; James Cochrane and Co., December, 1833-1835.

Peter Beard, Collector's Edition, 965 Elephants


Spilling out over the pages of this massive tome, Peter Beard`s collages are reproduced as a group for the first time at the size they have always meant to be seen, some as foldouts. Hundreds of smaller-scale works and diaries fill the remaining spreads—magnified to show every detail, from Beard`s meticulous handwriting and old-master-inspired drawings to stones and bones and bits of animals pasted to the page. Available in both Art and Collector`s editions, this opulent and beautifully crafted limited edition—complete with wooden stand—is a work of art in itself. Features:
  • Comes with a specially fabricated wood book stand
  • XXL-Format: 34.5 x 50 cm (13.4 x 19.7 in.)
  • Main book: 200 pages of diaries and 294 pages of collages + 5 fold-outs
  • Original essay by photo critic Owen Edwards
  • Companion volume: PB2 image index with captions for all images from main book, personal photos and early work of the artist, interview with the artist by Steven M. L. Aronson , a facsimile reprint of Beard`s 1993 handwritten essay from the sold-out first issue of Blind Spot magazine, extensive bibliography, and a list of exhibitions
  • All color illustrations are color-separated and reproduced in Pan4C, the finest reproduction technique available today, which provides unequaled intensity and color range
Collector's Edition, No. 1 – 250
  • Limited to 250 individually numbered copies, each signed by Peter Beard
  • Books No. 126-250 accompanied by the gelatin-silver print "965 Elephants" (1978/2006). Printed on 50.8 cm x 40.64 (16 in. x 20 in.) paper and signed below the image by the artist.
  • Sumptuous leather cover
  • Packaged in a velvet-lined wood shipping crate

Zenith Defy Extreme Stealth


Zenith has announced Defy Extreme Stealth– a limited edition men’s chronograph. Only 250 of these were made in each color offered. The Zenith Defy Extreme Stealth uses shock-resistant technology and new Open Grande Date 4039 SX movement.

eames house bird by charles & ray eames for vitra


charles and ray eames augmented the interior "collage" of the eames house with numerous objects brought back from their extensive travels. the figure of a black wooden bird - evidently one of their most prized objects of american folk art - has stood in the center of their living room for over fifty years. also seen as an accessory in many of the eames' photographs, the bird figure was from the appalachian mountain region of the eastern united states. based on the original artifact and in cooperation with the eames family, vitra is now producing the first series of this figure.

2.27.2008

Enigma "lips" collection


Enigma has launched the "lips" collection . The collection includes a chic "lips bracelet" in Black with diamonds, white gold, and coral.

Eidos 20 BD


Goldmund has launched the Eidos 20 BD, a sleek blu-ray player. Eidos 20 features a custom power supply circuit and "mechanical grounding," a design that eliminates vibrations that could affect the video signal or the disc.

The Goldmund Eidos 20 BD is priced at $16,900.

electric toaster by jasper morrison


here is the Rowenta - electric toaster by jasper morrison. a masterpiece of simplicity, this toaster retains all the functionality of your traditional toaster without all the unnecessary clutter of knobs or dials. single slot, 2-slice, motorized operation.

Caterham RS Seven


Caterham Motors,and RS Performance have launched the new Caterham RS Seven, an example in chic Seven coachbuilding. The RS Seven has a 500+ horsepower, 40-valve, 2.4 litre RST-V8 engine that delivers an over 500bhp as a supercharged variant. Price £115,000 ($230,000).

Balenciaga Jewels + eco-friendly boutique





Suzy Menkes has a new exclusive video interview with Balenciaga designer, Nicolas Ghesquière. In the chat, Nicolas Ghesquière talks about austerity, new jewels and Balenciaga's upcoming eco-friendly Los Angeles boutique

Maserati GranTurismo S


Maserati will world premiere, the GranTurismo S at the Geneva International Motorshow. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé’s sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 HP V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the Transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers, ensuring optimized braking performance.

On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks

Hiroshige. One Hundred Famous Views of Edo


Taschen has launched Hiroshige. One Hundred Famous Views of Edo . Hiroshige (1797-1858) was one of the last great artists in the ukiyo-e tradition. Though he captured a variety of subjects, his greatest talent was in creating landscapes of his native Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and his final masterpiece was a series known as "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" (1856-1858). This resplendent complete reprint pairs each of the 120 large-scale illustrations with a description, allowing readers to plunge themselves into Hiroshige’s beautifully vibrant landscapes.

Armrevolution cufflinks


ARMREVOLUTION founded in London by Anthony Hayward has launched a pair of innovative cufflinks with 20ltd.

Using a combination of the latest computer-aided design technology and hand-finished detail, this pair is the first and only set of solid yellow gold links "deign number 5" in the companys launch Perpetual Series. Built from solid 18ct yellow gold, each pair comes in packaging as unique and immaculate as the product itself and includes an innovative, design-registered leather carrying-case for the man who moves markets from his office in the sky.

2.26.2008

Fendi Baguette bag hits 10


Fendi is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Baguette bag.

In crocodile, lizard skin, denim, mink, pony skin…embroidered with pearls, beading, sequins, gold thread…these bags are little works of art, as creatively playful as they are irresistible, awakening the inner collector in every woman!

The Anniversary Collection presents ten new models in intense, pure colors. Plus, Silvia Venturini Fendi has added a blank white canvas version that comes with a set of Pantone coloring pens to let women tap their hidden artistic talent and truly personalize their bag. The made-to-order bag is packaged in a wooden box.

2.25.2008

The Lucida


Touted as the first LEED-certified green building in Manhattan, The Lucida is a chic Luxury building at 151 East 85th Street. New York. Residences feature richly styled interiors by S. Russell Groves. Residents can expect a healthier lifestyle, exclusive services, amenities, and filtered fresh air. LA PALESTRA's Fitness, Wellness and Spa Center features sky-lit indoor pools and fireplace. The resident lounge is equipped with a catering kitchen for private events, while kids enjoy the adjacent indoor playground designed by Kidville, NY.

Meier: Richard Meier & Partners, Complete Works 1963-2008


Richard Meier is a master of light and space, able to adapt his style to very different circumstances and locations. The entire span of Meier's career, right up to his most recent designs for New York and Shenzhen, is included in this exceptional volume, created in close collaboration between the architect, the author, and the eminent graphic designer Massimo Vignelli. This spectacular monograph displays Meier's work in unprecedented size and brilliance, and features a preface by the noted Spanish architect Alberto Campo Baeza.

Prada Limited Edition Deluxe Atomizer


Prada has launched a limited edition atomizer for their signature women’s perfume, Eau de Parfum. The atomizer comes with a removable crocodile leather base. Only one hundred will be made and will be available from certain Prada stores.

sjal kura intuitif: nourishing cream


A new cult favorite, sjal kura intuitif: nourishing cream repairs dry, damaged, and mature skin. The revolutionary formula delivers vitamins and nutrients directly into the dermis, providing a higher level of hydration without clogging pores. The result is extremely soft, supple, and luminous skin with fewer signs of aging. Ideal for nighttime.

Opus Vivienne Westwood


The Vivienne Westwood Opus represents a piece of both fashion and publishing history. Created by Kraken Opus to celebrate the work and philosophy of Britain's greatest ever fashion icon, it is an epic creation telling an epic story. It is set to break records as one of the largest fashion books ever to be published.

The 198 pages showcase a selection of 97 unique never-seen-before polaroids (taken by the world's largest Polaroid camera and each measuring 50cm x 60cm) depicting of the names and faces that have charted the course of this seminal period in British fashion. Vivienne Westwood has provided her own words for the book in the form of her recent cultural manifesto, entitled 'Active Resistance to Propaganda';, arguably the most important piece of literature the iconic designer has ever written. It is the definitive document to her work.

All personally signed by Vivienne Westwood herself, edition numbers 2,3 & 8 of each cover design, are available exclusively through 20ltd.com. The no.1 editions will be auctioned for charity.

BELLPERRE phones


Premium handset brand BELLPERRE has launched a range of tailor made mobile handsets made from premium leather, steel, gold, hardwood and other fine materials, LuxuryLaunches reports. BELLPERRE phones are available in a leather palette of more than 200 colors. Leathers available, includes crocodile, shark, buffalo and calf. Each individual component is hand-crafted using high precision techniques.

Bennett Robot Works




Gourdon Bennett's Robot Works offers Robot Sculptures. Each robot is an original piece, constructed with found objects from garage sales, construction sites, and basements. Bennett's range from 14 to 25 inches in height, and take about a month to build.

Seen at Uncrate

WallyPower 64 Yacht


Wally has announced the WallyPower 64 Yacht, their 64-foot yacht. The WallyPower 64 offers can be ordered with engines that can do 43 knots or ones that can hit 50 knots. The range is just 300 nautical miles reports Luxist

AEG Santo 75598 KG




AEG has launched AEG Santo 75598 KG , a new luxury Fridge with 162-liter wine cooler with special electronic controls, a LED temperature display and a UV protected glass door. The Santo’s 78 liter independently controlled NoFrost freezer features a LED display, divided into four drawers.

Briton Antonio Berardi £1,800 Heels




Briton Antonio Berardi has launched a pair of £1,800 Heels without heels. They are available in gold , black or silver snakeskin. Celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow and Uma Thurman have picked up black patent version valued at £1,100 plus.

Lincolnshire-born Berardi, 39, said he was inspired by Latin American music and 1980s post-modernism, adding: "When you walk, it is almost on tiptoe. You look really dainty."

A spokesman for his Paris-based fashion house said: "The shoe has a bigger platform sole which stretches back further than normal and gives support under the arch of the foot."

EGG - Fritz Hansen


In 1958, Arne Jacobsen developed the EGG - for the lobby and reception areas at the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.

For a special anniversary model, Fritz Hansen has introduced a beautiful and unique Egg. This Egg will only be available in a limited number of 999 Eggs. Each Egg will be numbered, a brief text about the Egg is printed on the back of the cushion and for those who buy the Egg we offer a book about the Egg and Arne Jacobsen. 999 books, i.e. one book for each Egg will be sent from Fritz Hansen.

Mojito of the Future





To celebrate 146 years of heritage, Bacardi worked with world renowned molecular mixologist Eben Freeman to create the first Bacardi Mojito of the Future.

Mojito of the Future uses Molecular mixology - the new avant garde approach to drinks that mirrors the legendary techniques of molecular gastronomy. Through reinventing, deconstructing and reconstructing familiar drinks then layering and intensifying the flavours - bartenders are now offering their consumers a brand new drinking experience. Using alternatives to the more traditional mixers such a purees, foams, emulsions, powders and even ice-creams along with equipment commonly seen in labs, hospitals and DIY stores these techniques have created a unique new way to enjoy cocktails!

2.05.2008

SENZ storm-proof umbrellas



strong winds are but a mere breeze for the SENZ. this modern wonder can withstand gale force winds of up to 70 mph – its patented aerodynamic construction and powerful frame prevents it from inverting… ! due to its smart design structure, the SENZ automatically finds the most comfortable position in the wind, much like a weathervane, while ribs in the frame help absorb forces against it, making it nigh indestructible.

notte bed by cappellini


notte is a series of beds manufactured in wood, available macroter or polish lacquered, in wengè, in natural or ash-stained oak, in natural santos. notte beds can be equipped with wooden staves nets, fixed or with manual movement. the adjustable net is only usable with latex mattresses.

Lacroix Ultime collection


Lacroix skis has launched the Ultime collection The Ultime collection is made of a sand which construction of titanal, kevlar a special carbon variable inertia core with an electra base. The top of the skis is inlaid with a choice of Bubinga, Speckle Mapke, Zebrano or Dapple Mahogony wood. The Ultime Skis by Lacroix are available by order only.

Mind Chair by Peter Marigold and Beta Tank


London designers Peter Marigold and Beta Tank have created Mind Chair , which uses sensory substitution technology to transmit high-definition moving imagery to the user’s brain.

iPhone now in 16GB




Apple's
iPhone now comes in a new 16GB model for $499. It joins the 8GB model for $399. And the iPod touch now comes in a new 32GB model for $499. It joins the 16GB and 8GB models for $399 and $299, respectively.

Hudson Blue


Hudson Blue is a strikingly beautiful glass condominium situated between two of the most coveted blocks in the West Village, West 11th and Perry Streets. Panoramic Hudson River views from floor-to-ceiling windows merge the quaintness of Village life with a waterfront lifestyle. European designer, Stephane Dupoux renowned for his inventive applications designed an artistic entrance for the 6-unit full-floor simplex and duplex residences. Amenities include part-time & cyber-doorman, key-locked elevator entry, terraces on every floor, storage and ownership in the first floor facility which affords residents the ability to design and use as a fitness, media or meditation room.

8th & 9th floor duplex has 3 terraces 260+/-SF outdoor. Spectacular Statue of Liberty and direct water views. Full floor master suite has sitting room & spa bath with sauna. Two gas fireplaces. Magical sunsets on the Hudson. Rare opportunity.

Diego Rivera. The Complete Murals




This lavish volume—the first book to feature Diego Rivera's complete mural oeuvre, including newly discovered works—features numerous large-scale details of the murals, allowing their various components and subtleties to be closely examined. In addition to the murals is a vast selection of paintings, vintage photos, documents, and drawings from public and private collections around the world many of which the whereabouts were previously unknown to scholars and whose inclusion here is thanks to the most intense research performed on Rivera's work since his death. Texts include an illustrated biography and essays by prominent art historians offering interpretations of each mural. One could not ask for a more comprehensive study of Rivera's oeuvre; finally, a half-century after Rivera's death, his work is the subject of the sweeping retrospective it deserves.

heller stacking melamine dinnerware by vignelli


this ubiquitous melamine dinnerware is designed to be stackable in a compact way. originally manufactured in italy, it won the first compasso d’oro award for good design in 1964. introduced later in the united states and manufactured by heller, the dinnerware became extremely popular, especially after it was produced in a rainbow of brilliant colors. this timeless design is still in production and offered by unicahome in bright white.

2.04.2008

Desert House




The Desert House, 2005. Art, architecture and environmental awareness have been forged together in Marmol-Radziner's custom prototype for their burgeoning prefab division. Recycled steel framing, highly energy-efficient glass, and solar-assisted power add an all-important, eco-friendly element to this milestone achievement. From the two-parcel, nearly 7.5 acre site on which the main house, guest house, studio and nearly 2,400 square feet of outdoor decks reside, broad panoramic vistas across the pool capture the all encompassing desert floor sweeping out to towering Mount San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, future versions of this design may, in fact, be the sincerest form of social responsibility.

Alessi Cocktail Shaker




This cocktail shaker from Alessi is the epitomy of 1920's style. The design is a contrast of forms - it has a large spherical body and slender handle. It's made from polished stainless steel and forms part of the 'Alessi Officina' collection which includes their most sophisticated, experimental and innovative products, as well as small-scale and limited productions."

The Cocktail Shaker is available from Utility Design.

The Eazo Luxury PC


Eazo has launched the Eazo Luxury PC. It features an Intel liquid-cooled 3GHz Core 2 Quad processor, 2 duplexed 8800 GTX video cards, 4GB of RAM, and both a 10,000 RPM 150GB hard drive and a standard one with 500GB.

Price $9,000.

Piaget Love Letter Watches


Piaget has launched the Piaget Love Letter Limelight watch. The new watch series are compact envelopes that open to reveal a black or mother-of-pearl dial set with diamond markers reports Luxist. The envelopes come wraped in stingray leather or paved with diamonds that are set with either a ruby or a yellow diamond at the opening.

Vero Chocolates, Hong Kong




Vero is an artisan chocolatier driven by an exclusive passion for the highest-quality premium chocolate. The company was founded with the aim to raise awareness and appreciation for premium chocolate, from the most superior cocoa plantations around the world. Without exception, Vero handcrafts pure unadulterated chocolate using only the highest-quality all-natural ingredients, without the use of any preservatives (e.g. real vanilla as opposed to vanillin). It is for this reason that Vero chocolates are made freshly everyday, using unique regional and seasonal ingredients that are catered for each of the four seasons.


Available either online or from Lane Crawford, Shop 126, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong.

Website
http://www.verochocolates.com

sitemeter