Monthly Archives: December 2010

Concierge Insider Guides iPad app

InterContinental – Concierge Insider Guides iPad app

Concierge Insider Guides iPad app

InterContinental has launched a new, content-rich iPad app which offers extensive information about destinations for travelers.

The new app was designed to tap into the knowledge of its concierges, offering information on recommended restaurants, shops and nightspots, as well as other topics such as local culture and attractions in more than 120 destinations.

Other features include interactive maps, destination-specific streaming videos, suggested itineraries and insider tips on subjects such as what to pack, detailed information about each property and an online booking capability.
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cerruti store

China’s Trinity Limited buys Cerruti

cerruti store

Chinese clothing retailer Trinity Limited said Wednesday it has agreed to buy the Cerruti luxury fashion and perfume brand for a maximum of 70 million dollars.

Trinity Limited said its purchase of Cerruti Holdings “fits in with the Group’s strategy to own intellectual property rights or take on very long term licenses in high-end to luxury menswear brands with heritage.”

Cerruti has been owned since 2006 by MatlinPatterson, a firm which specialises in turning around loss-making companies.
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Western luxe still rules China

Ne-Tiger

The Chinese luxury site NobleChinese posted a Top Ten List of preferred domestic luxury labels, as chosen by its readers.

Only two of the entries are fashion brands affirming that when it comes to fashion, Western brands are still the best-known and favored amongst Chinese netizens.

It comes as little surprise: A September 2010 study done by consulting firm McKinsey shows that affluent Chinese consumers prefer foreign brands

52% of consumers whose annual income exceeds $36,000 trust foreign brands more than Chinese ones, while only 37% said they prefer homegrown labels.
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The 2010 Christmas log by Jérôme Chaucesse

In 2010, Hôtel de Crillon reaffirms its love for fashion and tailoring with this unique piece ‘‘Hand Stitched” created by their pastry Chef Jérôme Chaucesse.

The unique Christmas log combines the legendary flavor of crème de marrons and the tart nature of tangerines with the creamy texture of vanilla panacotta in a perfect harmony of textures. All resting on an authentic tangerine biscuit.

Delicately embroidered and topped with crunchy buttons, it thrills the eye and the palate of those who seek a touch of sweetness in the midst of a cold Paris winter.
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Tods ballet dancer

Tod’s Launches Second iPad App – An Italian Dream

Tods ballet dancer

“An Italian Dream” is the second app for the iPad launched by Tod’s. “My Life is in This Bag” was their first app which was unveiled in August.

It celebrated the world of Tod’s and allowed the visitors to browse collections and view virtual themed lifestyles.

Now, you can discover the Tod’s new application ‘An Italian Dream’ – an artistic celebration of the quality and tradition of “Made in Italy” craftsmanship.
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mansion Pyramid Point Estates estates

$17,500,000 Mansion in Aspen, Estate of the Day

mansion Pyramid Point Estates estates

Ever since I laid my eyes on this newly-built Aspen residence, I’ve been totally in love with it.

Situated on a 4.5 acre parcel in the gated neighborhood of Pyramid Point Estates, this home offers an exquisitely designed interior with jaw-dropping, spectacular features throughout.

These amenities include a private home theatre, stone waterfall viewed from the back patio and hot tub, wine cellar, swimming pool, and an indoor basketball court.
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Hermes Paris boutique

LVMH increases Hermes stake to 20 percent

Bernard Arnault hermes

LVMH said Tuesday it had increased its stake in smaller rival Hermes to more than 20 percent, sparking fresh speculation about its ultimate intentions.

Mr. Arnault surprised the family behind Hermès two months ago by announcing he had racked up a 17.1% stake in their company.

LVMH said in a statement to the market regulator that as of Dec 17 it held 20.21 percent of Hermes after buying more shares on the open market.
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Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black Morning Frost

Three Aston Martin DB9 special editions announced

Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Black Morning Frost

Aston Martin’s final release of 2010 includes three new special edition DB9s available right now at your local Aston Martin dealership.

The three editions are called Morning Frost, Carbon Black and Quantum Silver, and are available as either coupé or Volante convertible.

The first one is the Morning Frost, which aims to offer a luxury premium, coming dressed in Pearlescent White and using a Metallic Bronze leather interior finish.
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google building

Google buys New York office building for $1.9 Billion

google building

Google said Wednesday that it had purchased an 18-story building in New York to house its more than 2,000-strong workforce in the city.

Google did not announce a purchase price for the building at 111 Eighth Avenue in the Chelsea neighborhood but the New York Post put the cost at 1.77 billion dollars.

The newspaper said the final price, including transfer taxes and assorted other fees, could be 1.9 billion dollars.
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Mulberry flagship London

Mulberry’s new flagship in London

Mulberry flagship London

The luxury UK brand Mulberry has moved its flagship boutique to 50 New Bond Street, only a few doors down from its previous address.

The new retail space reflects the brand’s ethical and ecological concerns features a loft-like warehouse vibe with vast open space and a bevy of freestanding fixtures.

The new 5,400-foot (501-square-meter) boutique sells accessories, travel and luggage goods, shoes, and women”s wear.
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beachfront home Del Mar

Newly Listed $39 Million Mansion In Del Mar, CA

beachfront home Del Mar

This Italian-inspired masterpiece, priced at $39 million, is set amongst some of the most expensive properties in all of San Diego.

Situated on a 0.52 acre, oceanfront parcel, this 6 bedroom, 7.5 bathroom residence offers a fine interior with gorgeous detailing.

The home was masterfully designed by notable Bob Ray in the year 1984 and encompasses over 6,500 square feet of living space.
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jimmy choo store dubai

Jimmy Choo to Re-Launch Men’s Footwear Line

jimmy choo store dubai

Nine years after exiting the men’s shoe business, luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo will be re-entering the market with new shoes slated for Fall/Winter 2011.

The much-awaited collection will include dress shoes, moccasins, casual biker boots, sneakers and evening slippers for the fall 2011 season.

The new range will be produced in Italy with initial distribution limited to 30 men’s specialty stores and department stores worldwide.
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Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 Steel

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Virtual Museum Project

Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 Steel

2011 marks the 80th anniversary of the Reverso, and to celebrate, Jaeger-LeCoultre is launching a virtual online museum dedicated to the iconic reversible watch.

Since 1931, owners have made Reversos uniquely their own by having the protective caseback engraved.

Above a picture of the new 2011 Reverso that resembles the original model from 1931, with only ‘Reverso’ on the dial and an ultra thin rectangular case.
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bombay sapphire swarovski crystals

Bombay Sapphire with Swarovski crystals

bombay sapphire swarovski crystals

Bacardi is offering travellers at Sydney Airport the chance to buy one of only four Bombay Sapphire bottles hand-decorated with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

Priced at A$4,000 (US$3,960), each bottle is encrusted with over 10,000 crystals in four different sizes and colours: Aquamarine, Jet, Crystal and Light Colorado Topaz.

Each of the crystallised bottles of Bombay Sapphire comes with its own white leather case and will be on sale in Terminal 1 of Sydney Airport until 6 January 2011.
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Pierre Herme Buche Noel 2010

Pierre Herme Buche de Noel 2010

Pierre Herme Buche Noel 2010

If you are looking for an amazing indulgence this Christmas exclusive seasonal creations from renowned French Pâtissier Pierre Hermé might just fit the bill.

Pierre Herme re-enact the classic Buche de Noel into a modern hit of Chocolate biscuits layered with light dark chocolate ganache.

The logs come in a silver box specially designed by Louis-Marie de Castelbajac that unfolds into a poster of Dandy’s work.
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Las Vegas logo

Some destination inspirations for New Year

Las Vegas logo

If you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to New Year vacation spots, surveys released on both sides of the Atlantic may be able to lend a hand.

Travel booking site Travelocity released booking data for the New Year period which suggests that Las Vegas was the most popular place among American consumers to ring in 2011.

Flight comparison website SkyScanner has also been conducting its own poll, coming up with a list of European suggestions.
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St Regis New York

St. Regis New York E-Butler App

St Regis New York

The St. Regis New York has created the St. Regis New York E-Butler, an app allowing guests and the public alike access to the hotel’s butlers and concierges.

The St. Regis New York E-Butler is a modern twist on traditional butler service, providing guests with the world renowned St. Regis service at the touch of a button.

This application offers guests the ability to “chat” directly with their butler in real-time, arranging all of the important details of their visit to the city instantly.
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Cadillac Converj Concept

Cadillac working on luxury plug-in hybrid

Cadillac Converj Concept

General Motors is working to produce a new plug-in hybrid vehicle for its top-end brand Cadillac, according to US media reports.

The firm, which makes the recently-released Chevrolet Volt, is currently developing a plug-in hybrid based on the Cadillac SRX, a crossover SUV.

Automotive News said that the Cadillac plug-in will share some of the technology which has been developed for the Volt, an electric vehicle with built-in range extender.
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