Orange22 BOT- Limited edition of the Pink Flora bench for Breast Cancer awareness.

Orange's Pink Flora bench is a limited edition of the benches to raise awareness on breast cancer. Orange22 will donate $25.00 of the proceeds from each product sold to breast cancer awareness, research, and treatment. These are cute weather proof benches that form a style statement kept in any part of the indoor or outdoor premises.

These durable benches can hold up to 550 lbs. Its welded structural brace reinforces frame on to a light 1/4" thick aluminum work. The Botanist Pink limited edition is available as a bench, cocktail table, or end table in Flora or Flow design. The deliveries shall start June 2008. These are priced at $1,599.

Via loadedshopper

Double DVD and Multimedia System launched for the Lexus RX range

Lexus raises in-car entertainment to a new level with the introduction of an advanced new premium ICE package for the RX luxury SUV. It delivers better quality, improved performance and even greater versatility, but at no extra cost compared to the current system.

The new premium ICE comprises two slim tablet units, securely mounted on the back of the front seats. Each features an eight-inch WVGA screen with an integrated side loading DVD player and USB 2.0 and SD Card readers. The units are resistant to screen jitter when travelling over uneven surfaces and their larger screen size gives a wider viewing angle. $4,300.

Via carpages

More cool stuff from Samsung

Samsung is all set to launch two new models of its bacteria-killing air conditioners, which use compnay’s proprietary Micro Plasma Ion (MPI) technology.

After launching last year in the US and Europe, they are now set for a launch in Asia. The Vivace Shadow Mirror and Neo-Forte pack enough firepower to kill those germs. The officials are claiming MPI to be capable of eliminating 78 percent of fungus and 58 percent of bacteria in a 30-minute time frame, within an enclosed environment.

The MPI functions in parallel with a carbon deodorizer, a Silver Nano evaporator and a Catechin filter developed from a green tea extract. Vivace is now shipping in Singapore for S$799 to S$899 while the Neo-Forte will be launched in April.

Source Bornrich & Crave

Lunar beauty to bedazzle Azerbaijan skyline

Heerim Architects has attempted to reinvent the skyscraper beyond the traditional with two lunar inspired projects in the central Asian republic of Azerbaijan. The Korean firm has dreamed up Full Moon Bay and Caspian Plus that includes Crescent Place on neighbouring peninsulas in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku that look on to the Caspian Sea - the two projects on opposite extremes of the same bay acting as gateway markers.

Hotel Full Moon is essentially a disc with rounded edges and a hole in one of the top corners that appears radically different to the view depending on the angle it is seen from. The frontage thanks to the bulging centre makes it appear more like a glass death star whilst the side profile is more than a little gherkinesque. Changing appearance depending on the view is reinforced by the cladding treatment the architect has selected.

The front will have a glass diagrid whilst the back will be covered with hexagonal honeycombs. This main building will be a 35 storey luxury hotel with 104,182 square metres of space for only 382 rooms, a relatively small amount of rooms given the sheer size of the internal space on offer. It will reach a maximum height of 158.68 metres.

The hotel is linked via a zoomorphically shaped podium that snakes curvaceously around the boundaries of the site to two residential apartment blocks entitled Palace of Wind 1 and 2. Acting as the counterpoint to Hotel Full Moon is Hotel Crescent, part of the Caspian Plus redevelopment that stands as a curving arch similar to a crescent moon.

The arch-like nature of the building is revealed by the fact that the structure isn't a pure crescent on its inside relying on more regularly shaped columns to help provide it with support. At 32 floors tall it will also be a luxury hotel, this time with 221 rooms. There will also be 128 serviced apartments in the building. Floor space will 128,140 square metres. Behind it will stand a further four tall buildings, three of which will be residential with the tallest of the quartet being a 43 floor office building standing 203 metres tall. Heerim Architects have not long been established in Azerbaijan.

They only opened their office in the country in July 2007 and yet have already secured these two major projects that face transforming the capital of one of the world's fastest growing economies.

Via skyscrapernews

House in the Clouds: once a water tower, now a charming cottage

Known as the House in the Clouds, it used to serve the township as a water tower, but, when it was being constructed 85 years ago, the townspeople thought it'd be an eyesore so they hired designers to disguise it as a house. At certain angles, it looks like a home impossibly resting atop the trees. It's since been renovated several times and no longer works as a tower — but it is an amazing bed and breakfast.

The House in the Clouds is amazingly well fitted with "a dishwasher, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine/dryer, colour television, full gas fired central heating, table tennis, lawn tennis and boules" (Boules being a French lawn game played with metal balls). You can stay either on a daily or weekly basis, for $900 to $3800, respectively.

Via dvice

Aaron Henry Reversible Celebration Bracelet

Reversible fine jewelry has the lure of offering two looks for one price. It can sometimes seem gimmicky but that isn't the case with this design. The reversible celebration bracelet from Aaron Henry is done in 18K yellow gold set with 54 diamonds. It flips to reveal multicolored sapphires and rubies for a whole different look. It sells for around $43,000.

Via Luxist

Italian Luxury Furniture - designer furniture by Roberto Ventura

Uncompromised Italian Luxury Furniture - Roberto Ventura presents designer furniture conveying a spirit of stately exoticism. An exciting mix of new designs with classical echoes, this luxury furniture offers comfortable opulence.
Unquestionably a focal point for any reception or living room, the intricate, swirling design detailing shown here is characteristic of designer Giannella’s original vision. The black and gold of the detailing shows off the pattern to best effect, and the vibrant hues of the upholstery add alluring spice.
Curved and straight lines work together to create memorable items of furniture with magnificent presence.

If the combination of sublime design elements offered by this
Italian Luxury masterpieces has a disposition to suit your environment, contact Roberto Ventura.

Via trendir

Rolling Ball Controls Water Flow & Temp - Smith Newman's Sink

This faucet belongs in Futurama home. It totally changes the way hot and cold water are mixed and controlled. Get this: you move the ball in or out to control the flow and pressure. Moving the ball left or right controls the temperature. The whole surface lights up to give you a visual clue as to the temperature of the water.
Designer: Smith Newnam & Touch 360 Studio

Via trendhunter

GUCCI reigns as 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. “It’s an incredible achievement for Gucci to remain at the top of the most coveted league table for luxury brands,” said Patrick Dodd, President Europe, The Nielsen Company. “In the past two years, Gucci has managed to maintain and even increase its brand equity in a very competitive and fickle industry. They have achieved this by consistently embedding their core brand values in all their branded products, which range from perfume and sunglasses to accessories, jewellery handbags and ready-to-wear fashion,” noted Dodd.

According to the survey, if money was no object, 41% of Indians and 37% of UAE consumers said they would choose Gucci.

Source : Nielsen - Fulll Press release

Custom Installed Residential Bowling Alleys

United Bowling, a Florida based company will install a 2 lane, full regulation length bowling alley in your home complete with genuine AMF and Brunswick equipment like pin stackers and ball returns. You’ll need a minimal area that’s 88 feet long, 12 feet wide with a 10 foot ceiling. Cost : $88,000

Source : ohgizmo

Goldstriker unveils 24ct full gold Apple iPhone 16GB

Goldstriker, the firm that coats your iPods, cellphones in 24-carat gold, have taken wraps off their new 24ct full gold 16GB Apple iPhone. The gorgeous new gold iPhone touts .999 hardened 24ct gold. Gold work is done throughout the phone and 3/4th of the rear reveals a mesmerizing mirror finish. They are currently taking orders for the 16GB gold iPhone and deliver it at your doorsteps within 14 working days. Get yours for £899.95.

Source : Bornrich

Luxury bathroom faucet by Teknobili - Oz Diamond Edition faucet made from pure Gold

The Oz Diamond Edition bathroom faucet from Teknobili has just arrived. Designed by the architect Nilo Gioacchini, the Oz collection faucets have been reproduced (with a very special twist) by Professor Alberto Cotogno.
Winner of the International jewel Oscar, the professor has created a work of art entirely in gold. Encrusted with a generous, dashing line of 282 natural diamonds, the Oz Diamond Edition faucet is strictly for those with the taste and means to enjoy such an exclusive pleasure.

Source : trendir

Mobiado Stealth Phone

The Mobiado Stealth phone is a tri-band Symbian Series 40 cell phone with Bluetooth, microSD slot, 2 megapixel camera, FM radio and MP3 player handset which also just happens to be ‘machined from one piece of solid aluminium with an inlay of one piece of sapphire crystal.’ Only 1200 of them @ £1450.00 per device...

The aluminum frame is created from aircraft aluminum to build a strong/stiff yet light body, it is filtered glass bead blasted, and then hard anodized coated to produce a rock hard ceramic coating with twice the thickness of traditional anodizing for the toughest of uses. The buttons are sapphire crystal and stainless steel, and the front screen and camera window are sapphire crystal.

Source : redferret

Girard-Perregaux ww.tc 24 Hour Shopping

The ww.tc 24 Hour Shopping gives the time in twenty-four time zones, with its own particular interpretation of the planet: it indicates the time not in cities, but in places famous for their fashion and luxury boutiques, such as Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Dubai or Ginza.

The mechanism allows for a subtlety in the world time display: Paris, New York and Tokyo have disappeared from the city ring, yielding pride of place to avenues and squares world-renowned as cult shopping locations. As an additional finesse, it is possible to adapt your ww.tc 24 Hour Shopping to your favourite locations, as there are several versions available. Each of them focuses on two specific venues: Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Orchard Road, or Montenapoleone and Central or Rue du Rhône and Nan Jing Xi Lu. The other time zones are indicated on the city ring by fifteen different sized diamonds, adding up to 0.18 carat.

On the dial, the hours are also punctuated by eight diamonds alternating with soft arabesques. From midnight to midday, the hour ring displays a day/night contrast, while the all-black city ring stands out elegantly against the white mother-of-pearl dial. Black also adorns the alligator strap and the onyx cabochons on the crowns. To round off the work to perfection, a bezel set with fifty-four diamonds (c. 1.95 carats) gleams against the steel case. This sophisticated watch has been designed as a haute couture model, aimed at elegant women who know what they want. With its forty-one millimetre diameter case, this piece asserts its refined style on the most graceful wrists.

Via timezone

The Cutting of the Lesotho Promise

the Lesotho Promise diamond which was bought by diamond dealer Laurence Graff in 2006 has been cut into 26 smaller diamonds varying in size from .52 carats to 76.41 carats each with a D Flawless grade. The 603-carat stone yielded 223.35 carats

Graff bought the rough stone for $12.36 million and is expecting quite a haul on his investment, he's looking for a $50 million payday.

As Graff said, “Finding another stone like the Lesotho Promise is the equivalent of finding a van Gogh that has been lost for a century.”
The mine worker who first set eyes on the Promise “was alone in the sorting room, and she started screaming,” relates Clifford Elphick, chief executive of Gem Diamonds Ltd.“People came running. They thought she’d been electrocuted.”

Source Wmagazine & Luxist

Rockras Geode Earrings

Jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald combines the worlds of fine jewelry and mineral collecting with Rockras, jewelry that combines geodes and agate with diamonds and sapphires. Each bespoke piece of Rockras jewelry is made by hand in the United States. The earrings shown here feature pink sapphires and rose cut diamonds.

Via Luxist
www.rockras.com

Gems taken in Italy tunnel heist

Thieves who dug an underground tunnel to a Milan showroom have stolen several million euros of jewellery.

Seven men dressed as police came through the cellar wall, tied up staff and made off with some of Damiani's most valuable pieces in minutes. Before Sunday's real-life Italian Job, they had dug for several weeks from a building under construction next door.

Luckily for the showroom, some of its most valuable pieces were on display at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles.

The thieves tied the staff up with plastic cable and sticky tape. They then locked everyone in the bathroom except the manager, who was taken to the safety deposit room and forced to empty the lockers.

Although some of the showroom's jewellery was gracing the red carpet thousands of miles away, there was nonetheless plenty left in Milan.

The real value of the pieces stolen is not yet known as a list is still being compiled.
But it is thought to be millions of pounds worth of gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings - all of them studded with diamonds.

Source : BBC News

Samsonite Launches Solana and Hommage 2 Collections

Samsonite presents two new luggage collections for the frequent business traveler – the Solana and Hommage 2

The Solana line is designed to pack everything you would need or could possibly think of for your trip in a neat and organized fashion. It comes with a toiletry kit, wet pocket or removable suit sleeve. There’s even a 5 cm expandability for that extra packing space.

The Hommage 2 collection is an extended line of chi-chi luggage from the Hommage collection, and is only available this summer. With its nappa leather trimmings and lighter tones of almond ecru, sun olive, chocolate and charcoal black, the Hommage 2 collection exudes beauty and timeless elegance. The collection consists of duffles, spinners, shoulder bag, rolling tote, beauty case, toilet kit, lady bag and messenger bag.

Via goldarths

Luxury Made To Measure John Lobb Golf Shoes

Available in a wide variety of the finest leathers, this box calf golfing shoe is measured specifically for you, from your choice of cleat pattern to your stance. Generally, these shoes take around six months to arrive after ordering, unless you’re one of those lucky folks with people in the know. Cost, from $5,000.

Source Blavish

Maserati GranTurismo S

One of the sexiest luxurious cars, the Maserati GranTurismo, is getting a performance upgrade in the new GranTurismo S, to be unveiled in Geneva next week. The S model shares the same 440hp 4.7 liter engine with another Italian beast, the Alfa 8C Competizone, and is coupled with an electro-actuated MC-Shift gearbox mounted on the rear transaxle for optimized weight distribution and faster shifting times.

Other performance enhancements include dual cast iron and aluminum brake discs with aluminum 6 piston calipers built by Brembo, exclusively for Maserati. GranTurismo S also features new subtle visual tweaks, including new wheels, and a leather & Alcantara-trimmed interior with sport buckets.

Via trendhunter magazine

Range Rover Sport Limousine

Now if I were you & I wanted to show up to my new Morocco estate, I would choose to show up in my new Range Rover Sport Limousine from Midland Limos. More than spacious & quite luxurious, this Range Rover limo is all that you need in transportation.

Featuring a multi-speaker sound system, disco floor (of course) with lighting and your very own personal navigation system with GSM phone.

Source : Blavish

Istanbul’s 7-Story Underwater Hotel to Open in 2010

Visitors to Istanbul will soon have a chance to view the most spectacular ocean views on the planet. A seven floor, seven-star hotel is being built underwater on what was formerly a tobacco factory. There will be exhibition halls, and restaurants, and all rooms will be sea facing.

This isn’t the first such underwater hotel complex in the world. That honor goes to the $500 million Poseidon Hotel which is currently being built off Fiji. The Istanbul hotel differs in that it is being built under the city center, which should make for an interesting experience.

The hotel’s inauguration is set to coincide with the city’s taking over from Linz, Austria as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2010.

Via vagabondish

999-meter-long wedding dress on display in Dalian

A 999-meter-long scarlet wedding dress is displayed in a shopping mall in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, February 21, 2008. The hand-knitted dress features 2,008 pieces of jade, 29 golden phoenixes and 880 peonies that took dressmakers three months to finish.

Via Chinadaily

Embrace Lounge

Designed by Tanya Aguiniga, this funky sofa cum bed will enthuse all to just collapse on it. Rendering a hug like comfort, this Embrace Lounge is true to its name.
Though nothing is mentioned about its pricing...

aguinigadesign
Source luxurylaunches

Ralph Lauren Polo Player cufflinks

A shirt without stylish cuff links is like food with out spice. Such is the bearing of a chic pair of cuff links upon formal attire. These are no ordinary cufflinks; they are own very own Ralph Lauren classic cufflinks accented by our signature pony. Exquisitely crafted from lacquer and sterling silver these cufflinks are polished to a high shine. A signature navy leather box reveals an elegant pair of cufflinks on a plush velvet interior.
Ralph Lauren Polo Player cufflinks retails for $225.

Via luxurylaunches

Dream Luxury Bathroom Vanity from Cima

Create a luxury bathroom but don’t want to lose the traditional touch ? This dream bathroom vanity from Cima can help make your ‘dream’ come true.

The combination of 24k gold trim and Mediterranean style give your classic bathroom a different touch, whether you choose a white or a black ceramic pottery finish, or a golden tecnoril finish, you won’t be disappointed.

Cima Via bathroombuzz

Lenovo ThinkPad X300

The newly launched MacBook Air will soon see its Windows competition from the manufacturers of IBM with Lenovo ThinkPad X300. At 0.73 inches (1.85 cm) thin and 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) without its extended battery, it matches the MacBook Air in slimness and weight.

Masterwork Residences At 995 Fifth Avenue

A new collection of 26 extraordinary residences at 995 Fifth Avenue, all masterpieces in its own right, is now up for grabs. Originally designed by architect Rosario Candela in 1926, the interiors have been reinterpreted by famed architects, Cetra Ruddy and preservationist John Simpson. The building has long been admired for its grace and is distinguished by its grand scale and superior location.

These residences may be customized with an extraordinary range of finishes including precious stone floorings and bespoke kitchen cabinetry by Smallbone of Divizes. The lavish amenities include the Private La Palestra Spa & Breakfast Lounge, Concierge Direct home automation, Library/Conference room, wine specialist, bike room, Miele dishwasher, and Lefroy Brooks bathroom fitting selections.

Via goldarths

How Much is an Oscar Worth ?

Resale value for Oscars won after 1950 are limited because the Academy makes all winning celebrities sign an agreement that if they want to sell they have to first offer the statue back to them for $1.

Based on the current price of the gold if melted down each Oscar is worth about $500.If sold on the sly (or for pre-1950 Oscars that can be sold in the open) big-name Oscars will easily clear $60,000+, with many hitting 6 figures.

Via Luxist & environmentalgraffiti

The Bluetooth Earpiece Brooke Shields and Eva Longoria Parker Wear

Eva Longoria Parker and Brooke Shields are said to have this Bluetooth earpiece (in black) by Plantronics. Set to make their debut this April, the "Discovery 925" feminine earpieces are comfortable, lightweight and much more sleeker than your average Bluetooth headset.

The first three colors to be released will be black, gold and magenta, with nine more to follow, and they will be priced at $149 each. Also included is a stylish charging case for wireless on-the-go charging capabilities.

Via geeksugar

Caterham To Partner With RS Performance for V8 Seven

Caterham has joined up with speed freaks RS Performance to bring to life a real fire breathing bug killer. RS will be dropping its race proven 40-valve, 2.4 liter RST-V8 into the fully massaged carbon fiber and space frame Seven chassis.

That engine will be available in supercharged form up to 500 hp (coming in at 10,000 rpm). With the whole assembly clocking in at 500 kilos, the Caterham Seven RS will sport a 1000 hp per tonne power to weight ratio all at a price of £115,000.

via jalopnik

24ct Gold Plated ‘Bizarre’ iPod nano

If you think you don’t get enough attention already by just sporting around with your iPod nano, then Goldgenie has a solution.

They are offering a limited edition 24-carat gold plated iPod nano with 8GB of capacity. It comes with black front face with laser engraved “Bizarre” logo. But, why the heck they named it Bizarre? It doesn’t look really bad from any angle. Well, what’s there is the name?

Only 500 units of the Bizarre iPod nano have been put into production and each sells for nearly $450.

Via bornrich

Swarovski Opera Glasses

The dazzling opera glasses comes studded with over 1,300 Swarovski crystals in multi-hued colors, comes with a 25mm lens, 3x magnification and central focusing to intensify the pleasure of your opera watching. Velvet carry pouches ensure that your glasses sit safe and can be all yours for $300.

Source : Bornrich

Video : Gucci By Gucci Perfume Commercial By David Lynch

Since several weeks the Gucci commercial for the ‘Gucci by Gucci’ perfume is broadcasted again on the French and other European TV

People in Zimbabwe are being asked to contribute funds towards a big birthday party for President Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe is suffering its worst economic crisis since independence, with acute shortages of hard currency, food, gasoline, medicines and essential imports. The meltdown is blamed largely on disruptions to the agriculture-based economy after the often violent seizures of thousands of white-owned commercial farms began in 2000.

Annual inflation is the highest in the world, around 1,600 percent, and bread has all but disappeared from supermarket shelves in the capital Harare.

The economic crisis did not seem to put a damper on Mugabe's birthday festivities.
President Robert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since the country gained independence from Britain in 1980.

The campaign to raise funds for the birthday celebrations is being run by a youth organisation called the 21 February Movement, which was founded in 1986 in honour of Mr Mugabe."We are looking to raise 300m Zimbabwe dollars ($1.2m at the official exchange rate; $65,200 at the unofficial rate) that will be used at the birthday celebrations in Gweru," Emmanuel Fundira, chairman of the movement, told the AFP news agency.

Source : BBC News and washingtonpost