Richard Gere, the esteemed actor and passionate innkeeper of the Bedford Post, has been named the 2011 Ambassador of Relais & Châteaux.

The charming eight-bedroom Bedford Post, located about an hour north of New York City, owned by Gere, his wife Carey Lowell and their business partner Russell Hernandez, is a new addition to the Relais & Châteaux family.

He succeeds the author Douglas Kennedy in 2009, and the wine grower and actress Carole Bouquet in 2010.

Japanese jewelry maker Ginza Tanaka has put on sale a 2011 calendar made of 6 kilograms of pure gold featuring popular Dutch rabbit character Miffy.

The calendar measuring 64 centimeters by 40 centimeters is on sale at eight outlets of the company as well as online.

The special solid gold Miffy calendar celebrates the “Year of the Rabbit 2011” and is on sale for a whopping 55 million yen ($655,000).

Bottega Veneta has partnered with the Swiss watch giant Girard Perregaux to produce its first watch, the BVX.

The unisex watch features a dark, brushed-titanium curved case with a brown face and a cigar-colored crocodile strap.

The BVX is $14,600 and will be exclusively available from Bottega Veneta’s stores next month.

Versace Home has launched this chic Bubble Sofa. Quirky, comfy and very colorful the sofa can be upholstered in choice of fabric or leather.

KLM announced a partnership with Dutch chef Jonnie Boer this week, adding yet another name to the roster of kitchen superstars providing our in-flight meals.

From December 1, business class passengers onboard the flag-carrier of the Netherlands will be able to enjoy traditional Dutch food designed by Boer, whose Restaurant de Librije is ranked as one of the best in the world.

Menu selections will be accompanied by wines selected by his wife Therese Boer and served on tableware created by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders.

Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani has hosted a lavish housewarming party to show off his just-completed new skyscraper residence.

Some 80 of India’s rich and famous attended the party on Friday night at the 27-storey building, which dominates the Mumbai skyline.

Indian novelist Shobhaa De called the building – reported to be the world’s priciest private residence -”the Taj Mahal of the 21st century”.