11.29.2007

Joey Roth's Sorapot


Joey Roth's Sorapot is now available for purchase.

Sorapot is a minimalist reinterpretation of the teapot. The Sorapot’s glass and metal components are fully recyclable.”


Joey Roth's Inspiration:

I’ve always been entranced by small, beautiful things that are so detailed, they seem like miniature worlds, yet so ordinary they’re often left unnoticed. I designed Sorapot to emphasize one of my favorite- the unfurling of tea leaves. Sorapot suspends the process of tea making in a glass tube a few centimeters above your tabletop. Unlike standard teapots that confine tealeaves in a small mesh basket, your leaves will have full run of Sorapot’s interior as they unfurl and change the hot water into tea. You might even see a tea-colored shadow cast by sunlight that passes through the tube and comes to rest in a gossamer puddle on your table.

11.26.2007

Porsche Design P7111 Pan Desk Lamp


Porsche Design Studio has unveiled the chic, Porsche Design P7111 Pan Desk Lamp. The free-standing lamp uses high-grade materials and includes kinematics and advanced LED lighting technology. The main design feature is its two-arm joint configuration that allows flexible, parallel movement of the lighting head.

Early Elizabeth I Painting Goes Off For $5.3 Million


The earliest known full-length portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, thought to have been commissioned to help the English monarch "advertise" herself to potential suitors, sold on Thursday for 2.6 million pounds , Reuters reports

The life-sized painting by Antwerp artist Steven van der Meulen, who went on to become an important English court painter in the 1560s, had been expected to fetch between 700,000 and one million pounds, auctioneer Sotheby's said.

Rolls Royce Phantom Tungsten Edition


Rolls Royce has launched a special edition Phantom, the Tungsten edition. The Rolls Royce Phantom Tungsten Edition features a special ‘Xirallic’ Darkest Tungsten paint finish and a brushed aluminum bonnet as well as a pair of visible chrome-plated, stainless steel exhaust pipes. The interior features Smoke Grey leather seats with contrasting Navy Blue hide, the dashboard is micro engraved metal with high-gloss, straight-grained East Indian Rosewood veneer.

Piaget casino themed collection




Piaget has launched a casino themed collection inspired by casino chips. The collection includes a necklace watch and a wrist watch which feature Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades around their circumference as well as diamond markers. Both watches are made of eighteen karat white gold The necklace watch uses a quartz movement whilst the wrist watch uses a Piaget manual movement.

e-mood bathroom furniture range


e-mood's bathroom furniture range features a multifunctional e-board, which discreetly houses a soap dispenser (optional), tissue’s dispenser, cosmetics shelf and power outlet – with no visible cables. The cover can be combined with the Fogo, Happy D. and 2nd floor ranges. The mirrored e-cabinet and e-mirror offer both functional lighting and atmospheric colored lights with different programmable mood lighting. As an added convenience, a night light automatically switches on when it gets dark. Other features include the e-light element, e-wall fitted storage cabinet and large illuminated glass e-screen.

Gap styles 2007 Limited Edition Vespa LX 50


Gap has teamed up with Piaggio, the maker of Vespa motor scooters to design the 2007 Limited Edition Vespa LX 50 The Limited Edition Vespa LX 50 features a loud stripe design. Price $6,000!

Nagahori Jeweled Golf ball and putter


Japanese jeweler Nagahori has produced a 500g Platinum 900 golf putter head, adorned with 22.35 carats white and pink diamonds and a 165 Platinum 900 ball - studded with diamonds worth 25.13 carats. The golf set will be on display this weekend in Tokyo reports bornrich

Gaggenau RY 491-700




Priced within the $6k range, Gaggenau's RY 491-700 is a 36-inch unit with sensible technology. Refrigerator and freezer are combined in one space but separated with individual compressor units. No air exchange for ideal food storage conditions in both refrigerator and freezer unit. One large door (RB) or French doors (RY) for a grand display. Both with a fully expandable freezer drawer for the full view.

11.22.2007

Black Friday Deals


Forbes complies a list of some of the high-end stores offeing deals tomorrow.

High-end retailers--including electronics makers Bose , clothiers like Brooks Brothers & Neiman Marcus --are offering select Black Friday, discounts, some up to 40% off current merchandise.

While there may not be many 75% off sales, there will be special promotions for shoppers looking for price breaks.

"The 'big sales' will only happen if business is off and inventory is building," says Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry analyst at market research firm NPD Group. "But regardless, there will be bargains to be had, and the affluent customer will be around to take advantage of them."

Lanvin Patent leather square toe knee boot


Lanvin's Patent leather square toe knee boot with stacked wood platform toe is available online at Barney's for $1,730.00. . Features include 115mm thin square heel, 14.5" shaft, full side zip and triple velcro® straps at top of shaft, leather sole and leather upper. Available in Black.

Chloe Embellished mini dress


As seen on the runway, this Chloe Embellished mini dress is intricately feminine and will look fabulous toughened up with biker boots writes net-a-porter. Chloé dress has vinyl edging, a round neck with self-tie fastening on back, a pocket on each hip, is fully lined and simply slips on.


$5,270.00

Isharya Large filigree cuff


Plated in 18k gold this pretty, ornate jewelry style is a great gift idea. The Isharya cuff has an ornate pattern in the middle with a thin solid trim and gap to slip onto wrist. $240.00

Philosophy Hope in a Jar


Philosophy's Hope in a Jar is a therapeutic daily facial moisturizer for all skin types. The original formula of Hope In A Jar was originally created for the medical market and is a world-renowned skin cream. For years, plastic surgeons have been recommending this formula to patients in pursuit of younger, healthier skin. Results can be seen and felt within days - a healthy, rosy glow to the skin that doesn't require makeup or cover up.

Tiger Woods flattens his Florida estate


Tiger Woods has bulldozed virtually everything on his Florida waterfront estate to make way for an executive "mega home", just two years after buying the £23 million estate

The existing 13-year-old mansion has gone, as have three other large houses, two swimming pools, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts and a mini-golf course on the estate on Jupiter Island.

Woods's architects have drawn up plans for a 10,000 sq ft, two-storey house.

A glass lift runs from the grand entrance to the first floor where there will be three bedrooms and a master suite with his-and-her bathrooms.

A basement will house a large wine cellar and possibly a cinema and games area.

Adjoining the house, which features huge windows, will be four other new buildings, including a boat house, golf training studio, three-car garage and guest house.

Outside, there will be a tennis court, gym, pool, lap lane and a small golf course. A pair of boat docks will provide a berth for Woods's 155ft, £10 million yacht, Privacy.

Largest New Jersey Condo Conversion Goes Full Service


The Peninsula at City Place, the New Jersey Gold Coast's largest, $100 million condo conversion, is now full-service, thanks to the completion of three sleek lobbies and a 2,000-square-foot residents' lounge equipped with a billiards table, wet bar and full kitchen reports housing news

"The Peninsula at City Place is a hip yet luxurious development where residents can truly live, work and play,” says Jamie Anthony, project and asset manager for Savanna Partners.

In addition to the opening of The Peninsula's public spaces, the building, developed by Savanna Partners and Investcorp, now has a 24-hour concierge and free resident shuttle to the ferry to New York. The building also has elected a condo association board.

GM Chevrolet Volt due by end-2010


General Motors Corp plans to launch its electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, by the end of 2010 , Reuters reports.

GM's Bob Lutz said employees working on the Volt "are becoming increasingly nervous," as the race to bring a mass-market, rechargeable electric vehicle to the market heats up.

"There is a lot of skepticism within the company about the timeline," Lutz said at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit. "People are biting their nails, but those of us in a leadership position have said it has to be done."

Lutz said the Volt plug-in hybrid -- which GM plans to road-test early next year and produce by late 2010 -- is crucial to GM's efforts to snag the environmental technology crown from Japanese rival Toyota Motor Corp.

11.21.2007

Cora Sheibani + 20ltd



Derivative of nothing, Cora Sheibani’s pieces have a rare distinctiveness and individuality. As her friend Ettore Sottsass says, ‘her designs are not really jewellery but rather sophisticated suggestions’. This exquisite piece at once inherits playful chic and talismanic power. A handcrafted cage of 18 carat rose gold wire with a central 3.3 ct quamarine, this piece comes with a selection of suede ribbons, Cora’s unique hallmark and in its own red leather box. Created by Cora exclusively for 20ltd.com, it is limited to only 12 editions.

ANdAZ Liverpool Street


ANdAZ Liverpool Street is a smart, comfortable and distinctly 'London' residence. The building dates back to 1884, but once inside - this is the 21st century. Four restaurants, three bars, fourteen event rooms and 267 guest rooms and suites have all been designed to create the ultimate modern hotel experience.

Seen at Luxist.com

Dominic Crinson + 20ltd




Dominic Crinson has partnered with 20ltd for a beautiful and ingenious limited edition ‘Opera’ tile that bear testimony to why he’s now such an internationally-coveted name.

Tile spec: 18 Carat Gold plated ceramic tiles. Modular design with a fringe border tile. Rectified (without bevel) for a seamless architectural finish.


Minimum order: total 9 tiles (approx 1 sq metre), please specify required quantities of the fringe border tile.

Gresso Avantgarde Sol & Luna


Gresso Ltd., has announced two new handsets for their Avantgarde Collection. The phones feature Windows Mobile 6- and are housed in African Blackwood and titanium casing reports Luxury Launches. The Avantgarde Sol has a sapphire crystal display and gold keyboard. The other model in this collection is called Luna. The Luna features laser-etched Roman numerals.

The Avantgarde Collection of Cellphones from Gresso Ltd. Will be available in the fourth quarter of this year.

Gregg Kurtz "Presidential Desk Sets"


Gregg Kurtz the Official Artist for the USS Sequoia Presidential Yacht has launched "Presidential Desk Sets" a range of high quality and very collectible Desk Sets made from authentic pieces of this historic boat.

Shop for Gregg Kurtz "Presidential Desk Sets"

Bacon’s Self-Portrait $33 Million


Damien Hirst splashed out $33 million at Sotheby's on a 14in by 12in self-portrait by Francis Bacon – easily a record for a small painting by Bacon , Telegraph reports

Council approves Donald Trump's plan to build luxurious golf courses


A local council in Scotland approved Donald Trump's plans to build "the world's greatest golf course" on a stretch of remote and stunning Scottish coastline that is home to some of the country's rarest birds, IHT reports


The billionaire property developer wants to turn sand dunes at the Menie Estate, 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Aberdeen, into a 1 billion pound (€1.4 billion, US$2.1 billion) golf resort complete with two 18-hole courses, a luxurious 450-bedroom hotel, 950 vacation homes, 36 golf villas and 500 upscale homes costing from 400,000 pounds (€557,000, US$827,000) to more than 1 million pounds (€1.4 million, US$2.1 million) each.

Christian Lacroix Beaded detail bubble dress



Priced at $4,185.00, Christian Lacroix's Beaded detail bubble dress is a great dress for the holiday season. The taupe tulip sleeve bubble hem dress with beaded detail at empire line features a slash neckline, a padded hemline, two side slit pockets, wide pleats on front and back and a zip at the back to fasten.

11.20.2007

Playboy's First Cartoon To Be Auctioned Off


The very first cartoon ever to appear in Playboy #1 (otherwise known as the "Marilyn Monroe issue") is being auctioned off. This eye-opener was showcased in the December 1953 issue, on page 9. Its creator, Ben Denison, was an accomplished artist who produced scores of sizzling illustrations for Playboy during the magazine's critical, formative years.

The tasteful, yet provocative humor of this sultry scene captured the look and attitudes of the 1950's to a T -- in short, it was a perfect fit for the successful editorial formula of the magazine. This historic cartoon was also published in 1970's The Playboy Cartoon Album #1, a collection of Playboy's most famous cartoons. Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000.

Simona Luculano's Flexible Distance


Simona Luculano has designed a beautiful washer that not only conforms to low power and water consumption, but serves as a decorative centerpiece.

Flexible Distance
was developed for Ye Xiao Dong as winners of the “Lavatrice Cinese Made In Milan” competition.

The touch controls are located on the outer ring of the washer, and an LCD screen is embedded into the lid for easy monitoring of washing progress.

$5M Holiday DreamCard from Halcyon Jets


Halcyon Jets Holdings, Inc. or "Halcyon" , a premier provider of on-demand private charter aircraft services,
will offer a $5M gift card for those who want to share the gift of convenience aboard a private jet.

The $5M Holiday DreamCard from Halcyon Jets may be used for one-way trips or round-trip travel, and it may be used for a single flight or multiple trips. For more information, or to purchase a Holiday DreamCard, please call 212.616 JETS or visit www.halcyonjets.com

Lacoste designs a Maclaren


Maclaren is collaborating with Lacoste for a Lacoste branded Maclaren. The $400 special-edition ensemble features the classic green crocodile logo and a coordinating baby Lacoste outfit consisting of a cotton polo shirt and pique knit sun hat. The stroller weighs 14.8 lbs, comes with front/wheel suspension, and is covered in mini green crocs. It will be available online at www.lacoste.com, as well as in the Fifth Avenue Lacoste boutique, Fashion Week Daily reports.

Barrett-Jackson to Auction Ultra-Rare 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II Sport Coupe in Scottsdale


One of only 19 total 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II’s bodied as a coupe, and one of only two completed by Hooper & Company, will be sold at No Reserve during the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on Jan. 12-20, 2008, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The fixed-head, two-passenger sport coupe (Lot #1312) will cross the block during SPEED’s live primetime coverage on Saturday evening. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the Scottsdale auction will feature 1000 of the world’s finest collector vehicles and lavish lifestyle events. As always, SPEED will broadcast live-coverage of all six auction days.


The black and Tudor Gray Phantom II was special-ordered in December 1934 through R.P. Collyer, Ltd., in Montreal, Canada’s lone Rolls Royce dealer.

festive pheasant by oiva toikka


the festive pheasant, new from iittala for 2007, was designed by glass artist oiva tokkia. toikka was trained by another famous finish glass artist kaj franck at nuutajärvi glass factory.

Stefi Orazi Christmas cards


STEFI ORAZI a Graphic Designer based in London has launched the Barbican Estate Christmas Card pack . Only 100 packs produced . Contains: 8 illustrated cards and 8 envelopes

Harry Winston Diamond Corp


Aber Diamond Corp., the mining company that owns Harry Winston is officially being renamed to Harry Winston Diamond Corp, WWD reports.


The firm has a 40 percent interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine in Lac de Gras in Canada's Northwest Territories - which produces 10 percent of the world's diamonds — 9 million to 10 million carats a year — which it sells to Winston and other suppliers. With the new company name, every diamond that comes out of Diavik will be labeled a "Harry Winston" diamond.

"It was Harry Winston's dream to own a mine," said Thomas J. O'Neill, president of HWD and chief executive officer of Harry Winston Inc.

11.19.2007

NACSound for Sonance


Sonance has joined forces with Italian speaker manufacturer NACSound to handle sales and distribution of the brand, under the label NACSound for Sonance, through Sonance dealers in the U.S. and Canada.


NACSound of Rome, Italy, is an established manufacturer of high-quality audio and video loudspeakers that incorporate the use of ceramic, aluminum, wood, and carbon-fiber materials in unique designs that take full advantage of the company’s patented omni- and multi-directional speaker technologies. The NACSound for Sonance range is offered in a variety of designer shapes and finishes that can be used indoors or out.

Paris by Catherine Deneuve, from Louis Vuitton

“Paris by Catherine Deneuve,” from Louis Vuitton launches on the 22nd 26th. The new campaign leads us through an intimate experience of Catherine Deneuve's love for Paris.





Also see the compete version of “New York” featuring Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf here:

Merry Christi


Serendipity and Christiania Vodka are coming together to bring you the Merry Christi, a deliciously festive twist on Serendipity’s Frrrozen Hot Chocolate that offers a generous dose of this year’s premier holiday spirit - Christiania Vodka!


Created by Dalio Colado, head mixologist at Giorgione Restaurant in New York City, the Merry Christi combines the world’s smoothest vodka with the world’s hippest chocolate blend to create a holiday cocktail perfect for savoring beneath the mistletoe.


The Merry Christi is available exclusively at Christiania accounts throughout the country.

Zeno Acne Treatment




Zeno Acne Treatment clears acne and treats pimples for most skin types. The portable electronic medical device is clinically proven to make pimples disappear. Zeno is the most advanced and effective acne treatment device available without a prescription.

Mulberry.com Refresh


Mulberry's online boutique has been re-vamped in time for the Christmas season. The new site gives the consumer a luxurious shopping experience from the comfort of their own home.

Check out celebrity favorites Mabel and Bayswater in a host of shades and skins. They debut online in a more user friendly, flash based format on an open airy site. Improved accessibility and navigation make for pleasurable, simple shopping. Men’s bags, luggage, smaller leather goods, gift items, cufflinks, ties and scarves give as broad a range of products as the flagship store; with magnifying functions and more detailed photography allowing each product to be viewed up close. A streamlined check out process helps to beat the queues to a bestseller with as few clicks as possible.

Away from the online shop more brand information is available too. View the clothing collections online for the first time through the seasonal lookbook, and trace worldwide stockists with the interactive map. A press area will keep everyone updated on all Mulberry news. Key features are available to view along with the very latest celebrity sightings. A new improved customer services area includes material and care advice to make sure each product can stay as beautiful as the day it is first unwrapped.

The complete Autumn Winter range and the new early Spring 2008 collection can be viewed in their new online home now. Go to www.mulberry.com to view.

11.14.2007

Versace 'Icon' Satchel


Nordstorm is taking pre-orders for Versace's 'Icon' Satchel. The bag offers double handles and cotton with lambskin leather trim. $2,330.00

strings collection by shin azumi for magis


the strings collection designed by shin azumi for magis is a visually interesting stacking chair and stool. made in chromed steel rod or cataphoretically-treated steel rod painted in polyester powder. painted version is suitable for outside use. seat cushions also available.

Muji Store opening in Soho


Muji Soho is set to open on November 16, 2007. 500 free “My Bag” give aways for the first five hundred customers who come to the store and shop on the opening day.

455 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Between Grand and Howard Streets

Nokia 8800 Arte and Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte


The Nokia 8800 Arte and 8800 Sapphire Arte combine high-end metal and glass materials, for a modern look. The handsets feature a 2.0-inch QVGA OLED display, 3.2 megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom, 1GB of built-in memory, MicroUSB all-in-one-connector, an anti-fingerprint coating on the metal and glass, and a leather pouch with linen-lining. The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte enhances its polished steel case with a genuine sapphire gem stone and an accent of soft leather.

€1,000 ($ 1,500) for the Arte or €1,150 ($1,700) for the Sapphire Arte.

Mai Lamore's Rose Shoes


Mai Lamore has designed a pair of shoes worthy of being called art. The thorny heels are 18 karat gold and the silk petals are hand-dyed. The bee is made of gold, onyx and agate.

Price $27,945 -

Contact Mai Lamore directly for more information.

Qing dynasty vase sells for £3m at auction


A rare Chinese vase dating back to the Qing dynasty dismissed as an imitation was hailed as one of the most important examples of Chinese porcelain to have come on to the British market in many years. The vase sold for nearly £3m at Sotheby's auction house.

The newly discovered and extraordinarily rare Chinese dragon vase sold for £2,820,500, establishing a new auction record for a piece of Qing dynasty blue-and-white porcelain. The Swiss collector, who does not want to be named, had stored it away after being told it was merely a clever copy of the real thing.

Passot Roe - Infused Trout Caviars


Tsar Nicoulai Caviar is partnering with chefs to offer specialty flavored caviars, Luxist reports. Passot Roe, a collaboration with Chef Roland Passot of La Folie are trout roes infused with three different flavors, vanilla, kaffir lime and brandy. Each Passot Roe retails at $28 for 2 ounces.

CYBER-300B PSE Mono Block Tube Power Amplifier



Opera Audio's CYBER-300B PSE Mono Block Tube Power Amplifier is available now for $7,200.

Specification:

Control Functions: Power On/Off
Power Output: 15 watt x 2, RMS 1kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: less than 1%(7watt, 1kHz)
Frequency Response: (-3dB points at 10 watt) 60kHz
Input Sensitivity: 0.5V
Input Impedance: 100k ohms
Output : 4, 8 ohms. (User selectable.)
Signal/Noise: 90dB
Consumption : 100watt x 2
Input Interfaces: 1 group (RCA)
Overall Negative Feedback: None
Vacuum Tube: 5R4 x 2, E88CC x 2, 5687x2,300B x 4
Dimensions: 420(L) x 185(W) x 330(H) mm
Weight: 30kgx2



Seen at LuxuryLaunches

11.12.2007

Nestle Building, Mexico by Michel Rojkind


Mexican architect Michel Rojkind has designed a small addition to the Nestle Building in Mexico for school children to observe chocolate production. The multi-faceted structure creates compelling abstract spaces inside, housing a child-friendly visitor’s reception area, a museum shop, and a theater.

FilioFocus free-standing fireplace


FilioFocus's free-standing fireplace is a fusion of sobriety and elegance, this fireplace's subtle curves evoke the minimalism of Japanese design. Designed by Atelier Dominique Imbert, the tower grows from the floor and stretches to the ceiling.

Anne Fontaine Spa, Paris



French designer Anne Fontaine is venturing into the world of beauty with a new luxury Spa in Paris. Fontaine's signature treatments available in the spa go by the names of cotton, silk and wild bamboo.Fontaine also launched two cosmetic lines – Natural Linen and Silk Performance – which provide the core materials in the treatments, together with a wide range of essential oils.

Website
http://www.annefontaine.com
Telephone
+33(0)1.4261 0370
Address
Anne Fontaine Spa
370 Rue Saint-Honore
Paris 75001




Seen at Wallpaper

1937 Matisse Sells for $33.6 Million


A 1937 Henri Matisse painting set a new auction record for the artist at Christie's, where it went for $33.6 million reports IHT.

The Matisse work, "L'Odalisque, Harmonie Blueue," features one of the artist's favorite models lounging behind a bouquet set on a table.

The buyer was not identified.

diamond-embedded credit cards


GK Power, a Seoul-based smart card maker and online game provider has developed diamond-embedded credit cards . GK Power started sales for the luxury cards to local and overseas banks last year. Recently, it signed a $175,000 contract with Dubai First Bank in September to supply 1,000 cards - worth 300 times more than conventional plain plastic cards - for the bank's most valued clients.

Currently, BC's ``Diamond Card,'' Hyundai Card's ``The Black'' and Woori Bank's corporate cards are some of the local institution's using GK Power's high-concept cards.

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